Here is some very sad news: A recent study found that 1 in 3 young men believe rape victims actually just regret consensual sex. It’s hard to believe that even with all the progress we have made in recent months thanks to the fearless work of survivors and their advocates, we still have such a long way to go when it comes to teaching boys about consent.
As the mom of 3 boys myself, I have always made sure that consent and bodily autonomy are part of our conversations when we talk about sex, love and relationships. And when I work with students in schools, consent is the cornerstone of my Safer Sex lesson plans. Because, as important as preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancy is, there is nothing more important than ensuring that sex is always consensual and mutually desired.
Recently, I was interviewed by KTLA in my town of Los Angeles, California, where I talked about how you can talk to your kids about this sometimes-tricky topic. You can watch this short, informative clip here of my interview.
You can also check out my book “Talking to Kids about Sex: Turning the ‘Talk’ into a Conversation for a Lifetime.”
No matter the age of your child(ren), this guidebook is going to be a lifesaver whether you are grappling with talking about consent, dating, masturbation, gender identity and so much more. It’s on Amazon or check out your local book store.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, if you aren’t already!