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

• Peer Health Exchange

• 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