Ep #14: How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex with Dr. Elisabeth Gordon

Storks, “the birds and bees,” “the facts of life.” Starting a conversation about sex with your kids can be challenging, but it’s a crucial aspect of their development.

In the episode, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Gordon, Integrative Sexual Health Psychiatry and Sex Therapy – using a broad understanding of sexuality, from the anthropological and sociological through the psychological and medical, to support, treat, and educate about sexual health. Together they discuss when to begin the sex talk and the best methods to go about it.

By maintaining open and honest communication with your kids, you can help them make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and navigate the complexities of sexuality with confidence.

Books for children on sex and body parts:

• It’s not the stork! by Robie H. Harris – This book is part of a series and is aimed at children ages 4 and up. It introduces basic concepts about human development, reproduction, and body parts in a straightforward and age-appropriate way.

• Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Gail Saltz – Geared towards children aged 4 and up, this book helps children understand their bodies and teaches them the correct names for body parts while emphasizing privacy and boundaries.

• What’s the Big Secret?: Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown – This book is designed for children ages 7 and up and provides information about puberty, reproduction, and relationships in an easy-to-understand manner.

• Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg – This book is suitable for children ages 8 and up and addresses a wide range of topics related to sex and bodies in an inclusive and age-appropriate way. It also promotes discussions about gender identity and diversity.

• Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect by Jayneen Sanders – This book is intended for children aged 5 and up and focuses on the concepts of consent, boundaries, and respect in an age-appropriate manner.

• What’s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys/Girls by Lynda Madaras – These two separate books, one for boys and one for girls, are suitable for pre-teens and teenagers. They provide detailed information about puberty, changes in the body, and sexual health.

• Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey – This book is geared towards older children and teenagers, offering comprehensive information about puberty, relationships, and sexual health.

AAP: The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips to help parents teach their children about body boundaries and safety.

The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH).

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