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Take advantage of appropriate opportunities to involve Marlene in a conversation. A film or music might provide an impulse, or you could take advantage of a shared activity, like doing dishes, going for a walk, or gardening to talk about topics that may elicit certain inhibitions.

Perhaps Marlene finds it easier to talk about the world of emotions by a character in a film rather than her own. Ask your daughter questions, without interrogating her, in order to find out the extent and, most importantly, the veracity of the information she has acquired. It could well be that this may give her the courage to ask questions about sexuality that may have preoccupied her for a long time. If a trusting personal conversation ensues, do not hesitate to express your opinions and state your points of view about the subject. Here you can impart your own values and attitudes to your daughter, but refrain from moralizing or deprecating other attitudes, however.

The topic of birth control as well as sexually transmitted diseases should be addressed in a gentle but timely manner. Although many adolescents are aware of possible consequences of this kind from sexual intercourse and proactively use contraception, a need for pertinent information often remains.