Avoid These 3 Common Sex Ed Mistakes Tween Parents Make

So… you want to start talking to your tween about sex, bodies, and growing up – but something keeps getting in the way.
This episode of Sex Ed for Tween Parents dives into the three biggest mistakes I see parents making (and yes, I’ve made them too 🙋‍♀️) – plus how to avoid them and get sex ed moving in the right direction.

🎧 You can listen to the episode right here or read the highlights below 👇

Listen now

In this episode

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Sex Ed for Tween Parents:

  • Why the old “birds and the bees” talk just doesn’t cut it anymore
  • The pressure to be an expert – and why you don’t need to be
  • Why focusing only on the facts of sex ed might actually shut down the conversation
  • The real goal of sex ed with tweens (and how to make it easier to reach)
  • A one-minute challenge to open the door to better convos – today

One-minute challenge

Your challenge this week is simple:
Before the end of the day, say just one sentence to your tween that opens the door.
Something like: “Hey, I just want you to know – you can ask me anything about puberty, bodies or sex. I won’t get weird about it.”
That’s it. One sentence.
But it tells your child: “I’m here. I’m safe. You can talk to me.”
❤️ You don’t need to say everything today. You just need to start.

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Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

Want more help?

Sex ed doesn’t have to feel awkward or overwhelming. If you want a little extra support to get the convos flowing…

Download my free guide:
5 Cringe-Free Strategies to Naturally Start Sex Ed Conversations
👉 cringefreestrategies.com

Check out the Q&A Guides in the Sex Ed Shop
They tell you exactly what to say (and what not to say) when tricky questions come up.
👉 Sex Ed Shop

Watch the video

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More resources you’ll love

  • Puberty 101 Page
    Your go-to hub for all things puberty – including blogposts, guides, and tools to help your child feel confident and prepared.
    👉 Visit the Puberty 101 page
  • The Sex Ed Shop
    Need help figuring out what to say (and how to say it)? The shop is packed with ready-to-use guides, workbooks, and cheat sheets for every tricky topic.
    👉 Browse the Sex Ed Shop
  • My Top 10 Favourite Puberty Books
    Short on time? Here’s my personal shortlist of the 10 best puberty books I recommend most often to parents.
    👉 Check out my top 10 puberty books
  • Complete List of Puberty Books
    Explore a curated list of puberty books for different ages, genders, and topics—so you can find the right fit for your child.
    👉 See all recommended puberty books

Did this help?

If this episode helped you feel more confident, would you leave me a quick review or share it with a friend?

You’re helping more families have the shame-free, honest conversations every child deserves.

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.