A Letter to the Mother Nervous to Talk about Sex with Her Kids // Dr. Julia Sadusky
In this final episode of the Letters to Mothers season, we’re talking about one of the most difficult challenges you may face as a mother: having the first “talk” with your kids. You know the one—discussing their changing bodies and sex for the first time.
Where do you start? When do you start? How do you have those conversations in a way that makes sure they have the information they need without leaving them feeling overwhelmed or ashamed?
Today I’m speaking with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a clinical psychologist. She’s answering the questions that I have and giving all of us a boost of confidence that we need as we have foundational conversations with our young kids long before they hit puberty.
If you want to be ready to talk with your kids about human sexuality with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you.
Topics we cover:
Julia’s story as a Catholic woman
The origin story of Julia’s new book, Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics published by Ave Maria Press
Why we can’t wait until puberty to start talking about sexaulity with our kids
The barriers that hold us back from conversations about sexuality
Why it’s important to use accurate medical terms when teaching kids about their genitals (and how it can help prevent abuse and neglect!)
Explaining where babies come from to our little kids
What to do if you’re worried you missed your chance to share about human sexuality with your kids
How Julia lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary daily life (hint: it involves legos!)
Resources for you:
Discussion questions:
Who taught you about human sexaulity as a kid? What were those conversations like for you and how did they shape the way you think about sex and intimacy today?
Have you had a hard time starting conversations about sex with your kids? What barriers might be holding you back from anticipating and initiating conversations about human sexuality with your kids?
Was there anything in this conversation with Julia that struck you as a parent? Is there anything you’ll change in your approach to conversations about sexuality with your kids after listening to her advice about sharing with kids the goodness of their body?
What did you think about Dr. Julia’s advice to use accurate medical terms to teach your kids about their body? Was that modeled for you growing up, or would using medical terms instead of nicknames be a change from your experience as a child?
What is your vision as a parent for conversations with your kids about sex? What would you love those conversations to look like as your children get older, and what can you do today to start laying the foundation for continued conversations with your kids about sex?