If you’re a parent or caregiver, should you talk to your child about masturbation? Yes. You absolutely should, even if it’s awkward, even if your own parents didn’t talk about it with you. (And let’s be real: they probably didn’t.) But I get it – finding the words can be hard, especially for such a touchy subject. That’s why today’s episode is devoted entirely to giving you tools, scripts and resources to help you.
First, I give you the big why: Why should you talk to your children, and teens specifically, about masturbation? I’ll give you several science-backed reasons why it’s wise to do so. Next, we’ll do some masturbation myth-busting, to help alleviate any concerns, on their part or yours, that it’s harmful or unhealthy. Great news: it’s not! And finally, I’ll walk you through how to have this conversation, with specific verbiage you can use to help put yourself and your child at ease. Don’t worry caregivers: I got you, and in this episode I’ll also answer your questions about teens and sex. Should you talk to your teen about ethical porn? What should you do if a teen daughter starts asking about sex toys? All this and more on today’s show.
Show Notes:
- Sex Positive Families: Website | Instagram
- Dr Lanae St John: Book | On Sex with Emily
- Shafia Zaloom: Book | On Sex with Emily
- Cory Silverberg: Website
- What should I teach my high school-aged teen about sex and sexuality?
- Masturbation Pro Tips (Part 1)
- Masturbation Pro Tips (Part 2)
- The Communication Guide
- Big Mouth
- Sex Education
- Good Vibrations
