26: How to Discuss Difficult Topics with Your Kids with Anya Manes

My guest today is Anya Manes, whose work I’ve followed for a while. She educates parents about talking to their kids about sex, holding workshops and webinars especially for parents of tweens. After dealing with awkwardness and strife in her family surrounding sex, she became a high school biology teacher and realized the need. She explains practically how to handle these difficult topics with your child, and why you shouldn’t wait until the middle school years to have these discussions!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The norm: a scary, powerful view of sex
• Anya’s years as a high school biology teacher
• Why she left teaching to pursue motherhood and supporting parents in sex education
• Advice to parents about creating a safe space
• Communicating the rules and boundaries about physical bodies
• Anya’s book recommendations for parents
• The “Answering Questions BRAVELY Formula”
• • B--Take a deep breath
  • R--Recognize and affirm your child
  • A—Ask why they are asking
  • V—Investigate further
  • E—Evaluate your circumstances
  • L—Give the lowdown, but follow the two-sentence rule
  • Y—Your values
• Anya’s free interview series

Resources:

www.talkingaboutsex.com

www.talktokidsaboutsexseries.com  (Anya’s resources)

Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg