This week on the show we get honest. First, Paulina shares with us the anxiety and emotion she is experiencing as the birth of her daughter approaches. Hear first hand how to manage those emotions and how to be gentle with ourselves.
Then, we sat down with Laura Vargas from Planned Parenthood Los Angeles to talk about sex and sexuality with our children. We brought in expert Laura Vargas Díaz who has worked in the field of sexuality education for over 25 years. Laura is the Senior Health Educator for the Promotoras Training Program at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, which reaches over 20,000 Latinos every year. Laura works alongside an outstanding group of Latina immigrant women who are powerful resources for their community.
We discussed the importance of having an open dialogue about sexuality beginning when our kids were very young. This isn’t just about “the talk” but about being comfortable talking to our kids about this subject throughout the stages of life. Sexuality is about our bodies, our feelings, our behaviors, values. Our children need trusted and informed adults to speak to these subjects throughout the various stages of their lives.
We also discussed that conversations and expectations about dating should be set when our children are 10 to 14 so they understand what a healthy relationship looks like. Not because we are encouraging them to date but because we want them to prepared for what’s ahead. Before high school we should share with our kids what we think about dating and sexuality. We should also ask questions about their environment and what is happening with their peers and then stating our values and intentions.
Talk.Read.Sing by First 5 California: Laura brought some great books to talk to our kids about sexuality at various stages. They include:
It’s Not the Stork (also available in Spanish)
Tip and Pick of the Week:
Laura’s Tip: To maximize communication find the best time to talk to your kids. In my teenagers case, I follow his lead which right now is at midnight.
Paulina’s Pick- Eco lunch containers are amazing for back to school. I like these.
Bricia’s Pick- My husband and I had loads of fun on our last vacation playing board games. We played this one. I also want to remind you to pre-order Lil’Loteria for your kids.
Show Notes and Resources:
Planned Parenthood for Parents
Video for Parents and Teens About Consent, Bullying and Other Topics
Chat online or text "PPNOW" to 774636 (PPINFO) to get answers about pregnancy, birth control, emergency contraception and STDs.
