Healthy Moms, Healthy Families

Dear Parents,

Many of us have trouble talking about sex with our teenage sons and daughters. This issue provides advice on how to answer their questions, prevent STDs, deal with teen pregnancy, and more.

It may not surprise you to hear that most females don't have a positive body image. Learn why weight is not the best gauge of overall health, and how to recognize unhealthy eating patterns in your children. Then, take our quiz for your healthy meals score.

This issue also brings you articles and expert advice on specific vaccines and immunization safety, including the controversy over vaccines and autism.

From the Editors at FamilyEducation.com

Teens and Sex
Most of us feel responsible for our kids' sexual education, but many of us need help getting the conversation started.

What to Tell Your Teen About Sex What Kids Ask About Sex Let's Talk About Sex Talking to Our Sons About Sex and Limits Teaching Teenage Girls to Say No Should Your Daughter Get the HPV Vaccination?

Teen Pregnancy: Facts and Prevention "Mom, I think I'm pregnant" Do Abstinence Programs Work? Understanding Your Gay Teen The ABCs of Sexually Transmitted Diseases More on Teens and Sex

Body Image and Health
Learn how to build a positive body image, and help your daughters do so, too.

Positive Body Image The "Fat-Phobic" Generation Getting a Smart Balance of Fats Weight and Percent of Body Fat for Women Women's Weight Concerns and Body Image When Teens Obsess About Their Weight

Kids Scared to Eat Teens and Celebrity Role Models Body Image for Mothers and Daughters Anorexia and Bulimia Recognize Unhealthy Eating Patterns in Your Children The Female Athlete Triad More on Eating Disorders

All About Immunizations
Immunization is an important part of building immunity and avoiding disease and illness.

Immunization Information Scheduling Well-Baby Visits Chickenpox Vaccine Chickenpox vs. the Vaccine Which Polio Vaccine to Use Rotavirus Vaccine for Diarrhea in Kids Prevnar Vaccine for Toddlers

Whooping Cough in Older Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine for Lyme Disease Egg Allergy and Vaccinations Do Vaccinations Cause Autism? More on Immunizations

Poll: HPV Vaccine

Would you get the HPV vaccination for your daughter? Vote now! 35%   Yes. I think it's great, and every   girl should be vaccinated. 20%   Yes, despite some reservations. 26%   No. I'd be worried about possible   side effects. 7%   No. I have moral objections to it. 12%   No, but for reasons other than   those stated above.

2008 Summer Olympics

Is Gymnastics Right for Your Child?
When the Olympic gymnasts take center stage next month, your child may be dazzled – and ready to sign up for training! But could it pose a threat to her physical development? Find out!

		Join in this discussion on our Message Boards about a controversial reality television show called The Baby Borrowers: "Do you know how many teens are sexually active and irresponsible about it?... I agree that the show can be beneficial to some and bring light to the reality of parenthood, but will it really stop teens from having sex?" —concerned mom

FE Blogs!
Get to know the bloggers on FamilyEducation.com! Read Aliki McElreath's Professor Mom and Todd Lieman's Skadaddle.

Seeing this particular Carter's sleeper again reminded me of T. at six months, and of the day...we left for the hospital for her surgery – major craniofacial surgery to repair her metopic craniosynostosis, a birth defect she was born with.
— Aliki McElreath, Professor Mom. Read more!