Part 1: Top 12 tips to stay sexually savvy during Seahawks season | Sex in the Suburbs

Published 12:37 pm Friday, October 9, 2015

It’s that time of year. The 12 flags are in windows, on cars and in storefronts.

Everyone from tiny toddlers to graying grandparents to cute canines has a No. 12 (or No. 3) jersey in their fall fashion wear.

Blue and green are the colors du jour. It’s Seahawks season!

This got me thinking — whether you are a parent, or a teen, or a single adult, you might be interested in some coaching about how to stay healthy this season — to keep from being sidelined due to injuries or flags on a play.

So here you go — my top 12 tips to stay sexually savvy during Seahawks season: Part one.

Keep your offense strong

1. Stay educated

Even though he plays defense, it’s important to remember that cornerback Richard Sherman graduated from Stanford.

Education is important.

Parents, if your kids come to you with questions about bodies, babies, relationships and romance, answer them honestly with age-appropriate information.

Research has clearly shown that giving accurate information does not increase sexual behavior.

This is especially true if you do so in the context of your family values. If you don’t know the answer, look it up. Get some books to have around and read together.

If you need help knowing where to look something up, or what to read, go here www.DiligentJoy.com/resources.php.

2. Know your values

Whether you are a parent talking to children and teens, a teen thinking about relationships, or a dating adult, your values guide your behavior. Here are some questions to ask yourself to clarify where you stand:

• What might happen if you do or don’t engage in this behavior?

• What are the potential risks or benefits?

• What is important enough to you that you are willing to wait for?

Kam Chancellor has certainly been willing to wait this season for something he believes in.

It doesn’t matter if no one else knows or cares why you believe what you do. Your values are yours and that’s what matters.

3. Plan ahead

Quarterback Russell Wilson has a plan when he steps out onto the field. It may not always go as he envisioned, so he’s got back-up.

Think ahead about scenarios that could happen — at a party, on a date, with friends — and make a plan. And don’t leave home without your back-up.

Teens, do you have a parent or other safe adult you can call if you get into an uncomfortable situation who will come get you, no questions asked? You can use a special phrase like “I’m not feeling well” or even Wilson’s favorite, “Go Hawks!” to signal you need help.

You can also make a plan with a friend to back each other up if one wants to head out from a party or other social situation.

These simple tools increase your chances of avoiding penalties or injuries.

4. Be media literate

One Seahawk with serious media savvy is running back Marshawn Lynch.

He knows when to pay attention, when to be the center of attention and when not to bother. You, too, need to be savvy about the media and what’s portrayed in it.

Parents, use teachable moments.

Discuss what you see your kids watching and listening to.

Ask a question like, “Do you know anyone who’s found themselves in a similar situation?” or “What do you think would happen in a real-life relationship with those circumstances?” Teens, remember that relationships on dramas and sitcoms are rarely representative of real-life challenges.

In real life, many conflicts are not resolved in 30-60 minutes with commercial breaks.

Next time — part two: Defense.

Federal Way resident Amy Johnson, MSW, is a trainer, educator and coach in the Pacific Northwest. She is co-author of the books, “Parenting by Strengths: A Parent’s Guide for Challenging Situations” and “Homegrown Faith and Justice.” Amy facilitates classes and workshops in the Puget Sound area and online. She specializes in working with parents and in sexuality education. Amy can be reached at comments@diligentjoy.com.