In fact, I’m very comfortable talking honestly, openly, and nonjudgmentally about it.
I was raised by a stylish diva mom of theMad Menera.
The female orgasm was an act of pride and rebellionit was her brand of feminism.
I told her to consider it hers.
I was happy she’d taken the initiative.
We chatted about the vibrator’s shape and silky texture, and I explained female physiology to her.
I told her thatmasturbationwas a private activity saved for nonpublic spaces like her bedroom.
The Netherlands, Germany, and France have thelowest rates of teen pregnancyand sexually transmitted diseases among teens.
These three countries have exemplary sex education and government programs that allow easy access to contraception.
Knowledge and education facilitate wise decisions.
The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the Western world.
Given the puritanical roots of the United States, these statistics aren’t surprising.
I expected a sex-positive attitude from other parents.
In kindergarten, my daughter asked me the inevitable question: “Where do babies come from?”
I responded with a simple description suited to a 5-year-old.
My little girl became the source of sex education for her kindergarten pals.
Developmentally, kids start asking basic questions about sexas early as 3 years old.
Theres pervasive fear that talking about sex with teens will encourage them to have sex.
Research has shown time and time again that thats not true.
My daughter’s friends are polite and affable.
They are also curious and hungry for frank information on life.
They need guidance with empathynot lectures or policing.
At 14, my daughter got her first boyfriend.
We discussed birth control.
My daughter was very candid that she was not ready to have sex, which I was glad for.
As their relationship developed, she felt pressured.
Her boyfriend is a great kidand yet I think we can all agree that testosterone is one wily ride.
I felt empathy for both my daughter and her boyfriend.
I am happy to report that at 15 my daughter is sexually satisfied but still not having intercourse.
She’s doing great academically and socially and is also exploring the fine art of living well.
