There’s so much to nurture when we raise kids. We help them to grow in so many areas: language, emotional self-control, social interactions, practical skills, academics, compassion…. While you’re working on all that, remember to also factor in their sexual health. Even though it will be years before they’re sexually active, what you do now […]
What Guys Mean by “Hilarious”–and Why Parents Should Care
How do young men feel about date rape and consent? While young women have become increasingly vocal about the need for clear consent to sex, guys may have mixed feelings. Some are fully on board with wanting to treat women with respect and making sure a potential partner is ready for sexual activity. Yet guys […]
A New Definition of Virginity?
The whole idea of virginity has undergone a cultural shift. It’s still a big deal for most people, but it’s not the be-all-and-end-all it once was (especially for women). Like so much about sexuality, even the definition of “virgin” isn’t as clear as it used to be. For most people, it still means what it […]
What’s Scarier than Ghouls & Goblins? Birds & Bees
This is the time of year when we embrace what scares us: ghosts, zombies, skeletons. A lot of Halloween stuff is about death, if you think about it…a plenty uncomfortable topic for most of us. And yet we go there this time of year (albeit in a way that puts the subject at a comfortably […]
Asexual or a Late Bloomer?
Every parent knows that kids bloom in different ways at different times. Some walk earlier or later, toilet train earlier or later, read earlier or later—everything. The same is true for sexual development. Remember middle school? Some kids hit puberty years before others Awkward at the time, but perfectly normal looking back on it. Bodies […]
What We Can Learn from Loud Porn Stars
If you’ve ever viewed pornography, you know that the women in it don’t tend to be quiet in the sack. They may acquiesce to a man’s desires/demands without speaking up; they may object to whatever he wants and later give in. But once they do give in, they’re plenty vocal in their enthusiasm. (There’s plenty […]
TalkStarter: How Your Early Sex Life Affects Your Kid
Every one of us has our own sexual story. Whether we were virgins when we got married, promiscuous at a young age, or anything in between, our experiences shape our view of ourselves and sexuality. We may regret our past or celebrate it, but it’s part of who we are. It’s also part of how […]
But What Do They Do in Bed?
I hear that question sometimes from people who are uncomfortable about other people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Even people who try to be open-minded may not really understand what it’s like to be gay or trans, and they’re a little freaked out because they can’t imagine what gays or transgender people do sexually. If you’re […]
My Body May Be Aroused–But I Still Don’t Want to Sleep with You
So there’s this interesting truth about women’s bodies: physical arousal and desire aren’t the same thing. It’s possible to want to have sex with your partner even if your body isn’t hot and bothered yet (because you love the person, want the connection, whatever). It’s also possible to experience all the signs of physical arousal […]
TalkStarter: Parents Are So Embarrassing
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 […]