Final answer:
Juanita's mother should foster a close and supportive relationship with her to help her avoid risky sexual behavior. Open communication and positive parental influence have been shown to be effective in guiding adolescents.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research, including the studies by Donenberg et al. (2002) and others, the best way for Juanita's mother to help her daughter avoid risky sexual behavior is to foster a close and supportive relationship with Juanita. This involves setting appropriate boundaries and engaging in open, honest communication about various subjects including sexuality. A supportive relationship is more effective for guiding adolescents through the challenges of growing up than less monitoring or separating them from their peers. By maintaining a warm and healthy parent-child relationship, Juanita's mother can be a positive influence on her behavior, particularly regarding her sexual behavior.
It is important to note that while peers do play a significant role during adolescence, teens also identify their parents and other caring adults as having a strong influence on their decisions. Additionally, fostering respectful communication about sexuality with other trusted family members, like grandmothers, can provide teens with a comfortable space to discuss sensitive topics, which is crucial for their development and well-being.