READY (Middle School program)
DECISION (High School program)
Talking about sex is one of the most important conversations you will have with your teen. Finding the right time out of life’s busy schedule can be difficult. It is not always the most comfortable conversation. As a parent, you want the best for your teen; hoping that they will make positive choices to avoid high risk situations that may result from sexual activity.
There is nothing more important to you than the long-term health and success of your teen. The Stop-and-Think® presentation will introduce the critical thinking skills they need to make positive choices about sex. The focus is primarily on decision making skills and less on sex. We strive to create a positive, open environment where students are encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and feelings about teen culture and the pressures they face. It is ultimately their decision. Students are encouraged to examine every side of their choice so they can “own” their decision and feel comfortable with the conclusion they reach.
At the core of the Stop-and-Think® presentation are three critical thinking skills:
Examine the Influences
“Why is this person sending me this message?” “Does this person have my best interest in mind?”
The Stop-and-Think® program will supply your teen with a strategic approach that will help them answer these questions critically and fairly. By taking such an approach, they will be able to cut to the core of other people’s messages. They will examine the motive of the message and deduce whether those people genuinely have their best interest in mind.
Consider Your Personal Values
What do I want to do with my life? Who do I want to be?
Your teen can face decisions that can have ramifications well beyond the moment at hand. Their choice can fundamentally change the direction of their life bringing them closer to or further away from their goals. Through Stop-and-Think®, students will be encouraged to evaluate what is most important to them and what they want to accomplish in their future. The decision to have sex carries with it the possibility to impact their goals.
Determine the Pros and Cons
Making a list of pros and cons is a smart idea. It is especially important when making a choice about whether or not to have sex. Your teen will evaluate the pros and cons of that choice. By examining both sides, the students will be given the opportunity to explore the benefits of waiting.