Nearly a year ago, my child—with her eagle eyes—spotted the unicorn-bedecked box for my brand new Le Wand Vibrating Massager on top of my bookcase, kicking off an impromptu conversation about pleasure that I was not in any way prepared for.
It went well enough (as you can see in that previous newsletter, linked to above). We talked about the things that make us feel good, like cat snuggles and chocolate, and I explained that, for older folks, sex was another thing that might make them feel good.
Sex ed, FTW!
The other day, my child spotted the box again, still perched atop my bookcase, and asked what it was… as if WE HAD NEVER SPOKEN OF IT BEFORE.
The sense of horrified déjà vu I experienced in that moment reminds me of a post I saw recently from @thesexedmum, in which she talks about the conversations we'll likely need to have over and over again, our kids picking up and retaining new bits of information as they're ready.
Silly me, thinking I’d only have to have one conversation about pleasure and she’d Get It.
So… when's the best time to talk bodies and boundaries and sex with your kid?
Today.
And every day that follows.
Full Disclosure: Sex Ed in the News
For those whose offspring are questioning their sexuality, you might find this explainer on asexuality to be interesting. It’s a sexual identity we don’t often talk about.
This issue of journalist Lyz Lenz’s newsletter, in which she tackles the lie of “parental rights,” is perfection.
My Favorite New Sex Ed Resources
My colleagues over at Book Riot put together this resource chock full of actionable steps you can take to combat book bans in your own community.
Also, the folks at EducateUS have created a toolkit that will show you how to create a Facebook Affinity Group so you can more easily connect with and mobilize folks in your community who are also interested in fighting for better sex ed in your school district.