Letter to the Editor In Response to The Sleepover Question

Dear Editor
I wish to respond to Amy Schalet’s article the sleepover question. Schalet compares the parental attitudes between the Dutch and Americans and how this affects their decision to allow their children boyfriends or girlfriends for a sleepover. The article reinforces my belief that American parents should have a more open discussion with their children about sex and sleepovers similar to the Dutch way.
The sleepover question is a touchy one, and no doubt that parents would be uncomfortable speaking about the issue. However, avoiding the issue, teenage love and sex is counterproductive and creates a problem with the teenagers who then find it hard to open up to their parents.
Schalet mentions that Dutch teenagers were more likely to have had conversations about contraceptives and pregnancy, and this made them make responsible choices. I have had...