HOW CAN I TALK TO MUM ABOUT SEX?

Dear Coleen

I’m a 16-year-old girl and I attend a sixth-form college. I had to take the morning after pill recently and I feel bad that I kept it from my mum.

It’s not so much telling her about the medication, but I’ve never actually talked to her about having sex. I feel I want to confide in her.

How can I approach it – and will she be angry with me?

Coleen says

I’d hope she wouldn’t be angry with you – that’s why lots of kids are scared of talking to their parents about sensitive subjects.

I don’t think you need to make a big deal of it and get yourself wound up, but the next time you’re sat on your own with your mum, just bring it up.

You don’t have to start by saying you’ve taken the morning after pill, but you can say something like, “Mum, do you think I need to start thinking about contraception?” It’s a way to open the conversation.

Yes, it might be a little embarrassing at first, but that won’t last. Once you’re over the initial awkwardness, it’ll be fine. What’s nice is that you’ve got to a point in your life where you want your mum’s advice.

And maybe she wants to discuss these things with you, too, but isn’t sure how to do so and is mindful of embarrassing you.