Parents sent in smart, honest questions about how to keep conversations about sex, consent, and safety going at home. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute answers questions about when to start, what’s age-appropriate, and how to talk about everything from consent to porn — without losing your kid’s trust.
You’ll learn how to:
• Start early with body boundaries and accurate language
• Talk about consent in everyday life
• Handle porn exposure and online curiosity
• Balance privacy, safety, and your family’s values
• Keep the door open even when teens roll their eyes
Key topics
• What age to start talking about sex and consent
• How to explain the biology of reproduction without euphemisms
• Setting boundaries and modeling consent in daily life
• Talking about porn and online exposure without shame
• Balancing privacy and safety with teens in relationships
• How to share family values without sounding preachy
• What to do if your teen is already sexually active
• Keeping awkward conversations open and honest
Resources mentioned
Books
• What Makes a Baby, Sex Is a Funny Word, You Know, Sex – Cory Silverberg
• Being You and Yes! No! – Megan Madison
Organizations & platforms
• Selfsea – digital platform by Peer Health Exchange with stories and tools created with and for young people
• Planned Parenthood – resources and education for sexual and reproductive health
Further reading
• How to Talk to Kids About Sex and Boundaries – Child Mind Institute
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn – TIME, by Dr. Dave Anderson
• Talk to Your Kids About Sex and Healthy Relationships – health.gov
• The Best Sex Education Books for Kids of All Ages (And Their Parents!) – Parents / AAP