Raising Good Humans S2 Ep 34: Talking About Sex with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett
Dec 31, 2021
Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, teams up with Vanessa Kroll Bennett, a journalist and co-host, to provide insightful guidance on discussing sex and puberty with children. They tackle how to answer tricky questions like 'how do you make a baby?' using age-appropriate language. The duo emphasizes the importance of correcting misinformation and normalizing ongoing conversations about consent, bodies, and sex education. They also highlight the stark contrasts between sex and porn, advocating for clarity and healthy understanding in these discussions.
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Use Real Body Words Early
- Use anatomically correct words like uterus and vagina even with toddlers to normalize body language.
- Give a simple, concrete visual (thumbs on belly, pear-shaped uterus) to make it relatable.
Answer The Question Asked
- Answer only what the child asks and stop when they've heard enough.
- Use direct terms (sperm, egg) for school-age kids and adjust detail by age.
Ask What They Really Mean
- If unsure what a child means, ask 'What made you ask that?' to narrow the question.
- Use that follow-up to tailor your explanation and avoid over-explaining.