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: https://akidsco.com 📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho ABOUT THE SHOW Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life. Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff. Follow on: 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. If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you. Topics Covered on Raising Us: Parenting kids and tweens Mental health for kids Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion Screen time and social media Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings Building emotional intelligence in families Conscious and values-driven parenting Elise Hu parenting podcast A Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
