Weaving Family Threads:
A Journey into Empowering Teens in Sex Education
by: Val Cumming
In the chaos of our fast-paced lives, where short-form videos often replace face-to-face conversations, the essence of family connections is more valuable than ever. For teenagers navigating the complexities of relationships and sexuality, a strong bond with trusted adults can be transformative. Many sexual health educators believe that the first and most impactful sexual health education comes from a parent or caregiver.
Enter LiFT, a unique 6-hour workshop developed facilitated by sexual health educators from EyesOpenIowa, including myself. When I underwent training for this curriculum in Seattle at the end of 2023, it prompted me to reflect critically on my experience in adolescent sexual health and the crucial role that parent/caregiver connections play in my work as a sexual health educator.
As a lifelong Iowa resident, a sexual health educator with about five years of experience, and someone who has worked within various family services programs, I've witnessed the importance of strong family connections and open communication firsthand.
Throughout my journey working with pregnant and parenting teens, middle and high school students, and families in need, a consistent thread of success has been strong family connections. I've seen the transformative impact when family bonds are robust, recognizing that no two families are alike. In my conversations with students, I often refer to parents and caregivers as "raisins.” Put simply, “raisins” are people who are raisin’ kids. Recognizing the diverse landscape of family structures, I might ask a student, "Who are your raisins?" to foster a deeper understanding of their primary adult support system. It could be mom and dad, mom and mom, dad and dad, a single parent, extended family, foster family, or a temporary guardian—each family is unique.
Acknowledging potential barriers to family connection in adolescent sexual health, such as faith or culturally based beliefs, trauma within family units, discomfort with the subject matter, or a lack of accurate information, sexual health educators at EyesOpenIowa approach these challenges thoughtfully. At EyesOpenIowa, we have an exciting new tool to help eliminate these barriers to family connection.
LiFT isn’t just another event; it's an opportunity to reinforce family bonds and craft enduring memories. Participants engage in an interactive experience, receive a swag bag with a $20 Amazon gift card, and enjoy delicious snacks and a catered lunch—all at no cost, thanks to EyesOpenIowa and the SHARE Grant.
To be part of LiFT and seize this invaluable opportunity, visit eyesopeniowa.org and view our training calendar. Use the code FAMILY to access the workshop for free (a $250 value per person!). Act quickly—registration wraps up on January 13, 2023. Can’t make this one? Keep an eye on our calendar for future dates!
In a world filled with distractions, nurturing family connections emerges as a potent force in shaping a teenager's experiences. LiFT, with its emphasis on empowerment through genuine connections, stands as a testament to the vital role of family in navigating the tricky terrain of sex education. Dive into this transformative journey with us, strengthen those bonds, and create memories that resonate. Together, let's lift each other up.
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