I am working with a production company from France to create a documentary about human development from birth through the beginnings of puberty and sexual interest. My conversation, of course, will come primarily at the end of the film. In addition to an interview piece, they asked that I gather a group of [...]
Archives for empowerment
Today’s my birthday!
So I’m taking the day off. However, please feel free to fill my comment box with well wishes.
So in place of a more in-depth post this morning, please download and read my recent interview with Karen Kreps in this month’s Good Life Magazine about teenagers learning about sex on-line.
See you tomorrow, [...]
Interview with Tina Hester from Jane’s Due Process
Karen: Hi Tina, and thank you for meeting to talk with me about your work. First, can you tell me a bit about Jane’s Due Process Legal Hot-line?
Tina: Jane’s Due Process was formed after the state legislature passed a parental consent law for minors to obtain abortions. So Jane’s Due Process provides [...]
Hope…Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens
Rachel Brignoni set out to write a book to help pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers think through what they want in life and then go out and get it. And she stayed true to that goal throughout this little blue-covered book.
I really like Brignoni’s premise, her goal. Pregnant and parening teenagers need all [...]
Interviews and links
I am delighted to have been interviewed by Boinkology recently. Go take a read and read my (rather lengthy) answers to these questions:
What got you interested in adolescent sexuality?
In your writing, you stress the importance of parents talking to their kids about sex. Does it matter how parents address the topic, or is just [...]
Rooms
A teenager’s room is like their whole house, squished into a much smaller space. This is where the teenager does pretty much everything - sleep, work, socialize.
Given how present the room is in a teenager’s life, it is important to let the teenager have ownership of the room. This often means redecorating - maybe several [...]
Privilege vs. Responsibility
With every privilege should come increased responsibility.
For example, my 6-year-old daughter has increased freedom at every birthday. She is able to stay up later or walk alone to our neighbor’s house. But her responsibilities also increase at every birthday. Last year she started getting ready for bed without our prompting or help. Maybe this year [...]
Talking vaginas and orgasms
I am going to the Vagina Monologues in Austin this evening, and I am very excited about it! This will be the first time for me to see the play, although I have wanted to for some time. There are still tickets available, and at $15 they’re a great deal! Eve Ensler will be there [...]
Teens speaking out about sex education
RH Reality Check has a recent post about two teenagers in Iowa working for comprehensive sex education. They are encouraging Iowa to reject Abstinence-only funding from the federal government. Here’s a portion of the post:
It isn’t unusual for Iowa high school students Stacey Hoch and Venessa McDole, both peer advisors, to speak with [...]
Vibrators and dildos
Some time ago a teenager at the church where I worked approached me and asked if I would take her shopping for a vibrator. (Although she didn’t know the word for a vibrator, she alluded to it with a bright red face…) I thought it was great, and so took her (with her [...]
