Luncheon will be bonding affair

AIKEN --- Mothers and daughters can bond over a good lunch this month.

The Aiken Teen Pregnancy Prevention organization has set its fourth annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon, giving mom and teen a chance to talk and improve their communications.

"This gives mothers and daughters an opportunity to spend some time together," said Susan Meehan, executive director of the group. "There's a lot of research that shows girls with a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to engage in sex at an early age."

There is no charge for the luncheon, but a reservation is required because space is limited.

Ms. Meehan said there is space for about 100 people, and about half the spots are filled already.

The luncheon is open to all Aiken County middle school-age girls and a "positive female adult role model," which can be a mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor or whoever fills that role.

This year's guest speaker is Lauren Elizabeth Lytle, Miss South Carolina Teen 2007.

The luncheon also marks May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.

Ms. Meehan said that research shows that not only are teen girls with strong bonds with their parents less likely to engage in early sex, they also are less likely to engage in other risky behavior.

The luncheon is about improving on that bond, she said, as well as celebrating the mother-daughter relationship.

"You forget with our busy lives" to really talk, Ms. Meehan said. "We may be in the same car, but we're not spending time with each other."

The luncheon will present programs to improve that communication, she said. "They learn a lot about each other," she added.

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com