<p>I came of age in that wonderful time when the pill and penicillin took care of all problems we could imagine. My pediatrician, a family friend, suggested I go on the pill “just in case.” When my kids hit puberty and became way too prudish to listen to me about sex anymore, I went to the university health clinic and picked up the most explicit pamphlets I could find about safe sex - straight and gay - and insisted they read them through. I probably scared them silly, but didn’t think it was worth the risk not to. We’ll see how they handle it with their own kids.</p>
<p>I talked a lot, and still do, about responsibilities to one’s partner. Even in a committed, monogamous relationship I advised my boys birth control is their responsibility until their partner insists otherwise. But I have managed to quit giving sex advice the one who is about to get married.</p>