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Expert Q&A
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| By Chris Crutcher Author, Licensed Child and Family Therapist | ||
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My 16-year-old son has his first serious girlfriend. He told his dad that he is "in love" and that he thinks about marrying her. I know that it's only logical that they are physically experimenting, but I don't know how far it's gone. Is it OK for me to come right out and ask him if they are having sex, or will he clam up if I take a direct approach? My husband said he would leave a few condoms under his pillow, just to be safe, but I think that's too "hands-off." Can you guide me in what to say and do?
I don't know what kind of relationship you have with him; whether it's an easy or natural question to ask, but if it is there's no reason not to ask it. I also don't know whether or not you can expect a straight answer. I wouldn't say it's "hands-off," but if it turns out to be, making the condoms easy to get is a good idea. If I were in your shoes, I'd let him know it's an open issue for conversation, and then I'd expect whatever happens.
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