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The answer is a flat out 'NO'. First of all, does anyone actually think our teenagers would listen to our government, and secondly, is this something we, as parents, want our government to 'try' to control. I have a teenage son, 18 now, that I know is having sex. We have a very open relationship and have discussed his use of condoms and so forth. I am glad he feels comfortable enough with me to discuss it. I know this is not true in every household, but isn't that the problem - it should be. If our children felt they had someone to talk with about sex, maybe teenage pregnancy wouldn't be so out of control. We need to talk to our kids about sex and birth control, not the government. I don't believe it is something the government should get involved with. Doesn't it have enough to do right now? Parenting our kids should not be added to the list.

We also have to stop walking around with blinders on. It is a new world out there and if you think teenagers are going to stop having sex just because you want them to, you are dead wrong. The days of 'Leave it to Beaver' are long gone, replaced with teenagers who are having sex much younger than we could ever imagine, let alone comprehend. It makes me cringe to thing about it. Barbie dolls and video games are put away much too soon and replaced with makeup, high heels, and condoms and we all hate it - I agree. New world, new set of rules.

I do believe rules need to be set, but the rules need to be set at home. We need to set examples at home and be open with our children. Talk to them about sex and birth control. Talk to them about abstinence, but be prepared for the other. Because chances are it will come sooner rather than later. Believe me, I know. When I found the condoms in my sons room, I could have freaked out, but instead I was relieved that he was using them. I actually was proud that he actually listed to my many speeches about using them. I had a short talk with him after, one of many since, and he wasn't even shy about it. We had discussed sex before, so it was no big deal. It is not easy to be a parent of a teenager, we can all agree on that. And when you find out they are having sex, it becomes even harder. They are not entering a whole new world. Part of me was excited for my son and the other part was scared to death because of all the serious consequences that come along with sex - we all know what they are. My advice to any parent with a teenager - be prepared - and don't freak out when you find the condoms.

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