Sex is not an easy subject to discuss with children or teenagers.  The City of Santa Clarita will host a workshop to ease parents into these types of conversations and other sensitive subjects and on Thursday, August 17, 2006, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the City will host an ATEAM (Abstinence Through Educations and Mentorship) Parenting Education Workshop at the City Hall Council Chambers.

 

“We want parents to be comfortable when approaching their children with sensitive matters such as sex,” said Veronica Navarro, Community Services Coordinator. “Many parents avoid the subject, but it is something that should be discussed to prevent problems and inform children about the realities of sex.”

 

The workshop, instructed by Judy Belty, Mary Anne Rege and Gayle Ray are part of ATEAM -- a youth outreach service the City works with.  Instructors will provide parents and guardians with effective solutions for opening the communication lines with their children on sex related topics. 

 

Part one of the workshop will educate attendees on making conversations about sex easier with children.  Information will be given on sexually transmitted diseases; encouraging teens to choose abstinence, helping teens stand against pressure and the benefits of sex when it is saved for marriage.

 

Part two of the workshop presents ATEAM’s new program “ASAP,” (A Stand Against Pornography).  Attendees will learn about the dangers and the devastating cycle of pornography and learn how to safeguard children from it. The workshop fee is five dollars and space is limited.  Parents, guardians or any community member interested in attending should call (661) 255-4965 for more information or to reserve a spot in the workshop.  The deadline to R.S.V.P is August 15.