Maybe you’ve always meant to talk more with your kids about sex and dating, but kept putting it off. Now they’re teens or preteens and you know you need to open a conversation, but you don’t know where to start. How can you get beyond the wall of groans, eye-rolling, and “I know all that”? […]
Birds & Bees TalkStarter: The Kavanaugh Accusations
Whatever your views on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and the recent accusations against him, one thing is certain: It’s an excellent opportunity for a conversation with your teen about sex and consent. Some teens may be aware of the headlines; others may be oblivious. If your teen hasn’t mentioned anything […]
It’s a Great Day for the Birds & the Bees
No matter the age of your child, today is a terrific day to take one small step toward the quality of their eventual sex life. (Which, yes, someday they will actually have….) It’s World Sexual Health Day—so go for it! Here are some easy ways to get the birds and the bees convo started (or […]
Should Your Toddler Be Naked at the Beach?
The joys of summer: lakes, beaches, pools; swimsuits instead of jackets. It’s wonderful to embrace the freedom of being outside and feeling the air on your skin. But how much skin should a child show? As in, is it okay for kids to run around in the buff? At what age, if any, does this […]
Do You Close the Door on the Birds and the Bees?
Talking about sex is so awkward that many parents want to put it off. Consciously or unconsciously, they miss opportunities to talk about sexual topics when they come up in daily life. That may be a relief in the moment, but it isn’t great for the long run. How about you? How well do you […]
When Your Kid Says “Don’t Tell Dad”
As much as possible, it’s helpful for parents to work as a team on the birds and the bees (and everything else). Kids benefit from knowing the views of both parents and from being able to ask questions of whomever happens to be around at the moment. I know, that’s not the way it goes […]
Do You Want Your Kids to Learn from Porn?
Maybe you read the recent New York Times Magazine article about a program, nicknamed Porn Literacy, that aims to help teens think critically about what they see in pornography. If you haven’t read it, you should, especially if you’ve got kids over the age of 8. (More later on why I mention that age.) It […]
Quiz: Are You a Birds-and-Bees Steamroller?
For many parents, what’s hard about having “The Talk” with kids is saying anything at all. But for others, the problem can be saying too much. Maybe that’s due to nerves, maybe to enthusiasm that your child is finally asking, or maybe it’s just personal style. Openness and information about sexuality are helpful–unless you get […]
When’s the Best Time to Teach “the Birds and the Bees”?
Maybe you haven’t yet had “The Talk” and you’re looking for the right opportunity. Maybe you’re planning to wait for a couple more years. Maybe your kid should be a little older…. Maybe you’ve talked a little about the birds and the bees, but it’s so dang awkward you’d rather not go into more detail…at […]
Use Summer Drives for the Birds & the Bees?
Your family may take a road trip this summer. Maybe you’re heading to the beach, to relatives’, or to a campground. You’ll have the kids in the car for a block of time, so maybe you’re thinking about plunging into a talk about sex while there are fewer distractions than usual. It’s probably better if […]