How To Have Sex Positive Conversations (with Melissa Pintor Carnagey, LBSW)
Apr 4, 2024
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Melissa Pintor Carnagey, LBSW, discusses destigmatizing sex ed talks with kids, starting conversations, communication tactics, creating safe spaces for coming out, pleasure, and more. Emphasizes using accurate language, discussing boundaries, and promoting healthy relationships and consent as foundational life skills. Normalizing conversations about pleasure and boundaries with children is highlighted.
Initiating sex positive conversations with children should start early and be continuous throughout their upbringing, focusing on body positivity, consent, and identity awareness.
Encouraging children to use accurate and real names for body parts is crucial for safety, communication, and instilling respect for their bodies.
Deep dives
Provide a Safe and Compassionate Space for Sex Ed Conversations with Kids
Talking to kids about sex ed can be uncomfortable due to societal stigma and discomfort. However, it is crucial to create a safe and understanding environment for these discussions. Parents should approach these conversations with grace and compassion, acknowledging that discomfort stems from learned societal shame around sexuality. By offering non-judgmental guidance and understanding, parents can help their children navigate these essential talks with openness and empathy.
Starting Sex Positive Conversations Early and Continuously
Initiating sex positive conversations with children should start early and be continuous throughout their upbringing. These discussions go beyond just talking about sex and focus on building a foundation of body positivity, consent, and identity awareness. By introducing age-appropriate dialogues about bodies, boundaries, and relationships, parents can help children develop a healthy understanding of themselves and others.
Using Accurate Body Part Language for Safety and Understanding
Encouraging children to use accurate and real names for body parts, such as vulva and penis, is crucial for safety and communication. By normalizing these terms, parents can help children feel comfortable discussing their bodies and understanding boundaries. Teaching children to use proper body part language instills a sense of respect for their bodies and equips them to communicate effectively about their well-being.
Supporting Curiosity and Understanding Consent from an Early Age
Promoting curiosity and understanding consent from a young age can help children develop healthy boundaries and respect for themselves and others. Encouraging open dialogue about body parts and pleasure can empower children to explore their bodies safely and recognize signs of discomfort or violation. By fostering a supportive and informative environment, parents can guide children towards developing a positive and respectful relationship with their bodies and with others.
Do you cringe at the prospect of talking to your kids about sex ed topics? In this expansive and compassionate conversation, Christine talks with Melissa Pintor Carnagey, LBSW, about destigmatizing conversations, when to start, communication tactics, creating space for kids who are coming out, pleasure, and more.
Edit Your Life is an award-winning podcast that offers tips, recommendations, and expert advice to simplify and declutter your home, schedule, to-do list, relationships, and mental space. Connect with host Christine Koh at edityourlifeshow@gmail.com or DM @edityourlifeshow or @drchristinekoh.