Episode Details

Talking to kids about sex and consent can feel awkward, overwhelming, and easy to put off — but these conversations can start earlier and easier than we think. Host Elise Hu sits down with sex educator Dr. Nadine Thornhill to unpack how parents and families can approach topics like bodies, boundaries, relationships, and consent with more openness. They explore the most common questions families have about consent, how to navigate power dynamics, and what it looks like to be conscientious about consent in everyday life. Also, Dr. Thornhill shares how she’s navigated conversations about consent with her own child, dives into “authentic consent,” and how we can model and encourage choice even when our kids are young. She offers practical advice for not only starting complex conversations, but continuing them as our kids grow.

Key Takeaways:

Tackle complex conversations by owning your values, stating the facts, and avoiding myths. 

Model authentic consent with our kids early in our everyday interactions and choices.

Kickstarting conversations can be as simple as just acknowledging your observations.

Value an imperfect conversation more than a nonexistent one.

Lead and continue conversations with inquiry, especially when feeling big emotions in response to something.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/9b568f6658d0ea66/888e268eaecfb4cd

Learn more about consent from Dr. Nadine Thornhill: https://everybodycurious.com

New episodes every Tuesday:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 START HERE

📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us

📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: