In this episode, we’re talking about how to cut through the shame, awkwardness and embarrassment that we’ve been taught to have when talking about sex; specifically when it comes to talking to your kids.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Ways to help yourself unlearn shame around sex
- How to feel empowered to help raise your kids with a healthier and more positive view of sex
Here’s a glance at this episode:
[2:45] What is the generational shame cycle?
[6:05] How we recommend starting the process of breaking that shame cycle.
[8:35] Kids and their amazing bullshit detectors (and how to start working on your OWN sexuality)
[17:24] We polled Instagram to find out what alternative names people were taught for their genitals as kids, and the results are WILD.
[24:00] Why it’s important to use the correct names for genitalia with your kids.
[25:14] Why “The Talk” doesn’t work, and how to lean into questions.
[30:54] The consent conversation.
[31:43] How to frame sex in a positive light while encouraging kids to make healthy decisions.
[33:37] It’s NEVER too late to talk to your child about sex. Here’s how to start when your child is a little older.
[35:30] How to be a “safe place” for your kids when it comes to talking about sex and owning up to any previous mistakes you’ve made
[37:21] Listener question: “I want to talk about sex with my kids but I don’t want to give the impression that I approve of them having sex at a young age.”
[42:09] Vanessa shares what happened when she asked her mom to go on birth control.
[45:00] Listener question: “We’re religious but I don’t agree with all of my religions views about sex, and I don’t want those views to harm my children. What do I do?”
[49:58] Listener question: “We have girls who are between 3 and 7 years old and our littlest one touches herself. What do I say to not make it shameful?
Links & resources
- YouTube Video — The Ultimate Guide to Talk to Your Kids About Sex
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Want your questions answered on the show? Send us a DM or voice memo @vanessaandxander, or leave us a message at +1-774-PIL-LOW1. We’d love to hear from you!