CONVERSATION STARTERS FROM  “How To Talk To Your Kids About Healthy Relationships, Sex and Porn” Narda Skov, MPH Younger than 9: When your children begin to go online (initially with you by their side), you can tell them that while there is a lot of information online as well as fun things like games and videos, there is also content online that is not appropriate, or not okay for kids to watch.  It’s made up or fantasy stuff that some adults watch. If you see something scary

Want your kids to start talking? Perhaps try these terrific prompts, allow them to answer and then share your observations of them. As parents, you are your child's greatest source of confidence and self-esteem, but these conversations can sometimes be difficult to start or keep going. I love these prompts because they allow you to share some positive feedback for your tweens and teens, as well as share some family history and shape some family traditions. What is a kind t

Has your daughter recently experienced the onset of her menstrual cycle, and have you taken the time to assist her in learning how to insert a tampon or provided her with detailed instructions on how to do so? Navigating this new phase can be a scary and intimidating experience for many young girls, but it certainly doesn't have to be filled with anxiety or fear. With the right guidance and encouragement, this process can become a much more manageable and even empowering aspe

Spring is almost here and questions about crushes or dating seem to be popping up in every classroom I am in. Below are some tips to engage your middle schooler (or high schooler) in a conversation. Remember, dating does not necessarily mean sexually active - before high school only 3-4% of graduating 8th graders are sexually active nationally and in the SF Bay Area it is lower than that (thank you comprehensive sex education!). Building a close, trusting bond with your chi

I hope you enjoyed the first part of the conversation starters. To continue the conversations add these questions to your next dinner table conversation or carpool: What personality trait has gotten you into trouble? What would you be your absolute perfect day? What do you think makes a good friend? If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Is it ever okay to lie to someone, even if it is a small one? Who is the funniest person you know? What would be a great flavor

Add these conversation starters to your regular carpool or dinner table discussions - it is a great way to get your kids talking. Some tips: Allow all responses, even if they are defensive, serious, sad or just plain funny and silly. The point is to get them talking and remember that how your child responds is a great source of information about how your child is feeling - so keep the conversation going and continue to stay in the moment and be curious. The questions below

Happy Holidays! We are deep in the season of celebrating with many gatherings and there is no better time to begin, or continue, a conversation about consent and what that means. Consent is the law and we can easily make it an ongoing practice in our homes with respect and increasing connection. When we practice asking for consent for our kids and well-meaning friends and relatives this models a healthy way to connect and keep your kids safe and comfortable. Here are some

For many girls, self-esteem drops significantly in early adolescence. There are a few reasons for this, a changing and unfamiliar body and the adolescent brain which is trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world outside of their family. We know this happens and what can we do as parents to support our girls to mitigate this decline. Focus on what she does, not what she looks like . Girls (and boys) feel most valuable when they feel like they are cont

California gets an 'A' in Sex Education! The Sexuality Information Education Council of the United States (SIECUS / siecus.org ) annually...

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May is Mental Health Month and though it is the end of the month, this list of resources is invaluable. If you know of a young person...

We all want to be good parents and some of us are not 'digital natives'. I find it extremely helpful to continually remind myself how to...

I was in my local CVS recently picking up condoms for a sexual health class with 8th graders. on birth control and I was so happy to see...

Researchers have found that appearance related social media use in adolescent boys and young men is linked to higher chances of steroid...

As I write this blog I can't help feeling like I'd like to have 2025 start all over. I am sure I am not the only parent struggling with...

This is a terrific repost from a fellow sexual health educator, Amy Lang, and I thought it was so good that I asked her if I could repost...

As the holiday vacation nears and young ones have more free time, it is helpful to use this time to begin (or continue) conversations...