Family Relationships

Relationship isn’t just a word about ongoing interactions where sex or romance is involved: we also have some kind of relationships with our families of origin, adoptive or foster families, or chosen family, too.

Articles and Advice in this area:

Advice
  • Johanna Schorn

I am really glad to hear that you have a close relationship with your mom. That can be tricky to maintain throughout the teen years, but for many people having a close relationship with parents is important, so it is awesome that you two seem to be doing great on that front. A big part of the reason…

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

If you feel crampy and bloated, and you didn’t miss your last period, it’s more likely in terms of those symptoms and the timing of things that you’re experiencing PMS symptoms rather than pregnancy symptoms. However, if you’ve been having unprotected intercourse, pregnancy is a very real…

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

You are not responsible for a parent having an idea about who you are that’s about who you have been as a child, who they seem like they might want you to be, or who they think you are but are not anymore, and may – and in this case, probably – never have been. I hear you expressing what sounds…

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

As we go through childhood and our teens, our boundaries tend to change. It’s typical for young people growing up to want increasing privacy and also to have an expanding personal space bubble: to want your family and other people close to you to support you feeling like your body is absolutely your…

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

I’m so sorry that was your almost-first-time sexual experience. If it’s any consolation, you’re hardly alone: a whole lot of people have had this kind of experience with sex and a parent. Ultimately, I’d say your biggest issue right now is earning your mother’s trust back, not finding a way to have…

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

RespectIsSexy’s question continued We share a room, and often if I walk in unannounced I’ll find her seemingly lying on the bed doing absolutely nothing, looking irritatedly at me - the exact position I can be found in if interrupted masturbating. In light of this, I really think it’s necessary that…

Article
  • Karen Rayne

Talking with your parents about sex can be really hard – even if your parents are really open and start the conversation themselves rather than you starting it – or even if your parents are totally supportive of your boyfriend or girlfriend and your sexual activities. Here are some tips and helps to make it easier on both of you.

Advice
  • Stephanie

Everyone will have a time in their life when they are embarrassed for someone “catching” them doing something. You can rest assured that you and your boyfriend are not the only people to have a parent walk in on you during sex. Let’s take a moment first and consider timing. Sex of any kind is…

Advice
  • Lena

Hello Shell, You bring up a good point here, something that most people with siblings deal with in some way or another. I am going to answer your question based on my background and experience as an older sister, sociologist, and online sex educator here at Scarleteen. Concerned older brother or…

Advice
  • Hollie West

Hi Lucy! I think you may need to give yourself a break. It sounds like have a good partner, good relationship, and healthy attitude towards sex. You’ve educated yourself and are practicing safe sex (I assume, from your post). This is more than many young women can say for themselves! Good for you!…