When you’re a teenager, pretty much everything your parents do is embarrassing. But anything they say or do related to sex? Especially if anyone else is around? OMG–mortifying. Even if it’s been a long time since you were a teen, I bet you can remember things your parents said about sex that embarrassed you. This […]
TalkStarters
A lot of people I speak with say they’d like to feel more comfortable talking about sexuality with their partner or their kids, but don’t know how to start. So I’ll help! Part of what makes it hard is that we don’t do it very often. Sex is private and not a suitable topic in polite company. But there are plenty of things about sex and its meaning to us that are worth thinking about, and worth talking about.
Every couple of weeks, I’ll post a TalkStarter you can use to get conversations going with people important to you. Some are suitable for couples; some for you and any adults you’re close to; some for parents with kids of various ages. Hopefully the TalkStarters will give you food for thought and food for conversation.
TalkStarter: Gender and Restrooms
There’s been a lot in the news lately about who can use which restrooms. A recent federal mandate requires schools to permit students to use the restroom that matches their gender identity, even if that’s not the sex on their birth certificate. Whatever your views on the subject, it’s a great opener for talking with […]
The Key to Getting Teens to Open Up
There’s so much going on in your teen’s head and heart—but that doesn’t mean you’re hearing about it. When our darling little kids become adolescents, parents can feel that there’s a wall between us and them. We care so much about what’s going on inside them, but they may be reluctant to share. This is […]
TalkStarter for Adults: What Has Sex Meant to You at Different Times?
Sex is such a rich and complex part of the human experience. It means a lot to most people—and it can mean different things at different times in our lives. What has been your experience of sex? How has your view of sex changed at various stages of your life? Did its meaning change when […]
TalkStarter for Teens & Preteens: Sex That Sells
Have you ever stopped to think about how many ads use sex to sell a product? So many do that we can become numb to them. But if you stop to notice, you’ll see attractive people, mostly women, in advertising for every imaginable product. Many of these women are wearing tight, skimpy clothes and often […]
TalkStarter: Valentine’s Day Topics for Couples
Some couples are good to go when it comes to Valentine’s Day. You know a way to celebrate that’s fun for both of you, you’re happy with your relationship and your sex life, and it’s comfortable to talk about things. But other couples…might need a little boost. If you’d like a little help getting the […]
TalkStarter for Young Kids: But How Did the Baby Get in There?
The easiest way to teach kids about pregnancy and conception is to let them ask—as most little kids will when they see a pregnant woman. “Why does Aunt Julie have a big belly?” “Why is Mrs. Smith so fat?” Your job is to answer the question—and continuing answering the follow-up questions until your child seems […]
TalkStarter: Is “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” About Date Rape?
Everyone knows the song Baby, It’s Cold Outside, performed by numerous artists over the years. I’ve always liked it—it’s fun, creative, and playful (and in a range I can sing along to 🙂 ). So I was a bit taken aback a couple years ago when a young woman I know referred to it as […]
TalkStarter for Kids: Gender Roles in Holiday Classics
What does the holiday story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have to do with sex ed? Well, not much to do with sex, really. 🙂 But classic movies do give parents an opportunity to talk about gender roles and societal expectations. This is especially true for movies that were made in an earlier era. What […]
TalkStarters: 22 Things Your Teen Is Wondering About Sex and Relationships
Teenagers can be tough to read. You know their heads are full of thoughts and questions about sex and relationships, but exactly what’s going on in there…who knows? Obviously every kid is different. But the young adults who responded to my survey give some clues about common questions and concerns. When I asked what they […]