The Parent-Child Sex Talk

In the already infamous condom episode of South Park, the town decides that sex education is desperately needed in the schools after a number of the kids are caught innocently milking male dogs. As with most South Park episodes, much raunchy humor follows. And also as with most South Park episodes, there's a final moral that ends up being both serious and legitimatein this case the point that sex education needs to be taught not in the schools (or at least not primarily in the schools) but at home. Which is, of course, easier said than done.

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In fact, talking to our children about S-E-X is one of the most difficult talks that many parents will face. That tiny, 3-letter word seems to hold a spell over us and by uttering it to a child we think we are going to hell. Some parents are afraid that if they discuss sex with their child, Child Protective Services will soon be knocking at their door. They think that if they talk sex they are going to be accused of pedophilia or being weird. Others feel that if they teach their child about sex and birth control they are advocating promiscuity. Some of us are so damn uptight that we just hope that the schools will do a good job of teaching sex or our kids will see other kids getting pregnant or an STD and decide on their own to wait. A wise, responsible parent will equip their child with the knowledge that will help and protect the child should they become sexually active. Each year roughly two million children are born to unmarried parents in the United States alone. If you don't want your child to be one of these parents or you are not ready to be one of the grandparents, you better get with the program and start talking about sex. Hopefully you will start at an early age and keep right on talking even after you have the kids married off.

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When children are young we talk to them using terminology that they can understand but do not hide the obvious or the truth. If they see a couple of dogs hooking up you explain that the dogs are making babies. We can read toddlers and small children books that are written at their level. When you see your children touching themselves you need to let them know that it is okay to touch it but to do so someplace private. And you want to make sure that a small child understands that their private area is not to be touched by others and that if someone tries to or does, they need to tell you right away and that you will not be mad at them.

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During all sex talks turn off the television, radio and cell phone. Turn on the telephone answering machine and select a time when you are less likely to be disturbed by someone coming to the door. Make the talks special and, if you have more than one kid, don't try to save time by having them all at once. While it is okay for older children to be in on the conversation with the younger children, the opposite is not advised. When a 13-year-old boy sees that his 10-year-old sister is getting hairy armpits and the only hair he has is on his head, he feels that something horrible must be wrong. So have two separate talks. Reassure your son he's not a monster, and tell your daughter about menstruation so that when she experiences that first flow she won't think she's bleeding to death. I would suggest purchasing a good book on puberty and not just give it to them but also first read it yourself and then together and answer any questions they may have. Books like this can be found in bookstores or at educational websites like Ask Uncle Terry.

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By the age of 13 you should be talking about birth control and masturbation. Let your child know that masturbation is something most all of us practice and it is normal. Tell him about precum and semen so that the first time your son has an orgasm he will not think that he broke something. Put lotion and tissue in your son's room for those runny noses and to keep his hands soft. This will not embarrass him and it will help you with the cleanup. But there are other times, of course, when a topic has to be addressed directly.

When these times come up you can't be afraid to explore the topic candidly. Remember you are the parent, so be strong and stay the course and, if necessary, demand that your children do, too. Take control, be open, have a dialogue and have them tell you what they have learned from school, their friends or on their own. Answer their questions fully without sugar coating. Discuss masturbation, sexual safety, STDs and protection. Remember that diseases like AIDS and hepatitis can be deadly, making the use of condoms mandatory.

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Oral sex has become a prevalent form of sex among our children, so discuss it openly and remind them that while they will not become pregnant through oral or anal intercourse they can still get a sexually transferred disease. Answer their questions about oral sex and anything else is one way of showing that you are always there for them. Make it perfectly clear that they need to wait until adulthood before becoming sexually active, but if they do make the plunge earlier don't turn your back on them or refuse to answer questions about condoms or birth control. It may make you feel uncomfortable, but that's the price that you need to be willing to pay for knowing you are doing your best to protect your tween and teen children from raising children of their own.

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For parents that needs a little refresher course on abstinence, sex and masturbation, check out http://www.askuncleterry.com

Terrance Lile (Uncle Terry) is not your typical writer and advisor on sexual relationships. He serves frank, down to earth, sometimes brutal advice on sex and life. He uses humor and knowledge gained through extensive reading and personal experience. He has the support of advisors from medical and mental professionals to educators and clergy and pornographers to prostitutes. Uncle Terry can be found at http://www.askuncleterry.com

The Importance of Using a Crate

You have just brought home your precious new puppy. There is no more pressing task for you than to see to it that your puppy eliminates where you feel he needs to. Puppies should always have a designated area to eliminate. As a matter of fact, most puppies who have not been trained correctly in elimination are usually abandoned in the first year because their owners cannot put up with the constant mess.

There are natural instincts in dogs which make house training a fairly simple process. Puppies that are taught the process of elimination correctly tend to keep their "den areas" clean. This is why crate training is so vital in training the new pup.When dogs eliminate they leave scent chemicals called pheromones in their waste. When dogs smell this scent it causes a reflex to eliminate in the same spot.

Some people think crate training is barbaric, however, dogs are den animals. They feel most secure in a den enclosure. This is why a lot of dogs will lie under the table or beds. By using a crate, you are providing your dog with his own safe den and they will try hard to keep it clean. A puppy should not be left in the crate for longer than 3 hours. Anymore time and he will not be able to hold himself. This also creates a regular schedule for elimination.

There are other benefits to using a crate too. Crates are great for transporting your puppy by car. They help to keep him safe from sudden stops and swerves. Crates prevent young pups from getting into too much mischief! We all know how it feels to find the little one chewing on our favorite shoes or coffee table legs. Crates are great to house your pup when staying at hotels or friends homes.

There will always be times when you can have your eye on your pup. Having a crate helps greatly in these situations and provides your puppy with a spot that he will always be comfortable and safe. Find a good pet supply company that offers a variety of crates in different shapes and sizes and be sure to match the crate to the dog, (size).

Mary Reid lives in South Carolina. She has done research on all types of dog related supplies and natural dog food diets. At the time of this writing she owns two beautiful Labrador Retrievers, one black and one chocolate. You can find more articles at her webpage http://www.all-natural-pet-and-more.com. She also has a great site on Organic Food, Skincare and Supplements found at http://www.yourorganicchoices.com.

A Guide To Choosing A Leash For Your Dog

The best possible leash to get is one of flat leather or nylon webbing, preferably half inch wide or more. You may have to shop around to get, for pet stores and department stores go in heavily for fancy and useless plastic leashes, thin leather ones and even chains. Avoid all of these.

Any very thin leash of any material will cut into your hands if you have to use any force on it (and sooner or later you will). Make sure it is of good leather or solid webbing, with a loop, big enough to get your hand through and firmly stitched at the other end from the snap.

The snap is important too. There are two good kinds, one with a sliding rod at the side of the snap held firmly in place by a spring, and one which has two curved metal hooks which slide along side each other to make a secure catch for the ring of the collar. Avoid completely the fancier snaps you will see on some leashes, especially the kind that comes apart at the tip of the snap and is held together by a spring.

Six feet is exactly the right length for a leash, regardless of the size of you or the dog. In fact, some city ordinances require leashing at all times in public, and that the leash shall be no longer than six feet. Do not waste money on anything longer at present with the idea of giving him a little more freedom, as you and he will get all tangled up in it. The longer canvas leashes you may see in pet stores are for tracking, where considerable length is required.

The new retractable leashes are perfect for small and medium size dogs. The nylon lead is rolled up and housed in a casing that you can hold. Most brands are available in six foot lengths by a one button braking and locking mechanism. This is intended as a general guide to help you make a logical selection, with an strong emphasis on quality and strength above all else.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed http://Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest dog collars, dog clothes, pet supplies and more. Check them out at http://www.joncopets.com.

The Teacup Chihuahua Myth

The term teacup Chihuahua is merely a marketing strategy used by breeders who want to make their Chihuahuas stand out or appear to be more rare or special than other Chihuahuas.

The term teacup refers to the size and the American Kennel Club does not recognize it as an official type of chihuahua.

The American Kennel Club is seen as the industries main source on all topics related to dogs and dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club there are only two types of Chihuahuas - long hair and short hair.

Chihuahuas vary in size as do other dogs and living things. However, the size difference between Chihuahuas does not mean they are a different type of chihuahua.

All Chihuahuas are considered just a chihuahua, no matter their different characteristics, just as all humans are considered human despite their variances.

This is an important point to know because many people who are buying Chihuahuas see teacup Chihuahuas as something special that they are willing to pay much more money for than any other chihuahua.

Breeders have caught on to the fact that marketing a chihuahua as a 'teacup' Chihuahua makes them more valuable to buyers. So, breeders will sell the smallest pups of a litter as teacup Chihuahuas so they can earn a bigger profit.

In fact, some breeders go to extremes and breed smaller Chihuahuas simply to get a teacup chihuahua.This practice is dangerous to the dogs health and is highly discouraged.

A smart buyer will know that these smaller pups are not worth anymore than their larger counterparts and therefore will not cave to the higher price tag.

Teacup Chihuahuas are nicknamed due to their small size. Chihuahuas range from 2 to 6 pounds and those at the lower end tend to get labeled with the nickname teacup. This does not make them more valuable or rare.

Reese Spiers