Ok, sorry, so I'm being a smart ass, but I thought I'd get in before everyone else did (as the bishop said to the actress). Seriously, now. I take it you (the person who requested a HubPage on this topic) have two sixteen-year-old daughters (at least). But here is my response: ya mean they didn't want to have sex when they were twelve?

Different girls reach puberty at different ages, but I'm guessing yours reached theirs three or four years ago. Yes, young teenage girls mistake crushes for matrimonial durability and think that sex is synonymous with everlasting dreamboat love. I honestly think (if you're still reading, and if I haven't offended you too much so far) that if you know about it now -- whether they have told you, or you found out some other way -- then it's a sure bet they have had this on their minds for some time.

I'm hoping that they told you. That means that they trust you as a parent and respect your answer (even though they probably think that if they are mature enough to ask they are mature enough to do), no matter how much they might argue and wail. And if they asked about the topic, rather than act on their desire and tell you about it later, then you are very lucky indeed. You can feel blessed to be the parent of teenage girls who haven't had sex yet, and who feel comfortable enough (no matter how much the idea makes you want to hide your head in the microwave and yowl) to mention this to you. I commend the girls and your parenting skills.

Here is where you take that deep breath and talk to them as adults. Ask them mildly which contraceptives they prefer, and whether they would prefer to start their sexual initiation rites (this is what is probably on their minds, by the way -- the initiation into a mystery, not love or marriage) with men or with other women (try to keep a straight face as you do this). If they manage to get through this conversation without dissolving into fits of giggles then you have to face the fact that your daughters may well be mature enough to think for themselves. Respect that. And then ground them for a few weeks, using this period to discuss such pleasant dinnertable fare as safe sex, teenage boys who only want one thing, and baby's names (throw in a few nasty diaper- accident stories from their own infancy). Tell them that you do respect their maturity, but that if they respect themselves they will wait -- until they go to college and are out of your house.

If, however, you found out by other means, then you are on much shakier moral ground, especially if those means were less than innocent. If you overheard something you weren't supposed to hear, ok; but if you found out by deliberately listening in or by reading their diaries, then you have no right to expect any respect from your children. Leave some condoms by their car keys and hope for the best.

Teenage girls are prey to exploding hormonal changes, mood swings, warped sensibilities, and the pressure of living in a fantasy world where their parents know nothing and they are the only ones who understand the inner meaning of the universe. Try not to make life harder for them than it already is. Respect their natural curiosity. Try not to hide in the basement when you hear them come home, but meet their questions as frankly as you can. You'll be glad you did, because, if they are mature enough to have raised this issue in the first place, then they will be mature enough to decide for themselves that they would really rather wait.