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Enriched Family Roundup: Resources for Youth and Parents on Consent, Puberty, Friendship, Gender Identity, & Sex Education

Esha Clearfield

February 2022 Blog Post: New Parenting Phases

The month of February seems like a perfect time for this roundup on consent, puberty, friendship, feelings, gender identity, & sex education resources for youth and parents. I have a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old — consent, friendship, and feelings have long been topics of conversation. Lately, we are starting to go deeper into puberty and gender identity discussions. While toes have been dipped into conversations about sexuality and sex education, I know that more in-depth conversations are coming up soon, so I am preparing. 

The researcher in me is a great asset when I get to new parenting phases that make me think: WTF am I doing?! I have no idea how to parent this phase. But then I talk myself down from my hyperbolic cliff. I remember that there was a time when I thought my kids would never be potty trained and I had to remind myself that they would not be adults in diapers. I made it through that, and I can make it through this. 

I’m not particularly prudish, but these types of conversations are not easy. I find myself sometimes fumbling for the right words to say, but I realize I simply need to listen, guide, and answer questions. However, to feel confident, I do what I always do in situations like these: research, research, research.

There are many fantastic resources to help support parents’ and caregivers’ conversations about consent, puberty, friendship, feelings, gender identity, sexuality, and sex education in age-appropriate, affirming, and non-shaming ways. There are also lots of resources specifically for youth that are appropriate at different age levels. So, after doing my research, I want to share with other parents and caregivers. Hope this helps and remember you are not alone in this phase or any parenting phase. 

Reading these resources with your kids can start conversations and let your children know you are open to their questions. As with all resources, parents and caregivers should review the materials first to be sure they are suitable for your specific child and family.

Please note, I have included links to Amazon (where available) simply for ease of locating and pricing these resources. Most of these resources can be found locally as well.

Best,
Esha/Enriched Family 

Consent

All images from Amazon, unless otherwise indicated.

Puberty

Friendship & Feelings 

Gender Identity

Sexuality & Sex Education

Additional Resources

“Six Minute Sex Ed helps people talk openly about sex and relationships, created by Kim Cavill, Sex Education Teacher. Level one episodes cover the basics, Level Two episodes are more complex. Six Minute Sex Ed is inclusive, informative, and sex positive.”

Provides curricula, online training, and free materials. “Here at UN|HUSHED we write curriculum on hard topics the easy way, sex ed done right. The thing is, sex ed is more than just “sex”. It’s about relationships, communication, and so much more.” 

  •  Instagram accounts of non-binary educators and activists:

@alokvmenon

@thejeffreymarsh

  •  LGBTQ+ supportive organizations/instagram accounts for youth:

@gendercool

@outyouth

  • Sex education Instagram accounts:

@sexpositive_families

@givingthetalk

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