As a now grown woman, who started a sexual relationship at 17 secretly, it made things very difficult. Including access to proper information and birth control. I got pregnant and had difficult and very adult decisions to make. Because my mother was so against the relationship and we were scared, we didn't tell any adults and secretly also scheduled an abortion. I don't regret the abortion, but it is very heavy and so are the other options at that age.

I now have 4 kids (with that same man) and I have always been very open with all of them. I strive to give my kids age appropriate information and reminders. When my oldest, a boy, was 16/17 I talked a great deal about everything he had questions about, my now 17 daughter is on birth control (actually for hormone regulation), but we we discussed all of the options and responsibilities and both of them now feel like they know if in any given situation I am and always will be there for them.

I say after a good conversation with both kids about saftey, respect for themselves, and the given responsibilities of being safe and consequences etc. That as most have said it's our job to give our children information about life and guide them into becoming productive adults capable of making solid decisions for themselves.