Sex Ed for Tween Parents

A lot of parents get told to keep sex ed light, vague, or minimal. But for autistic tweens, less detail often means more confusion. In this episode, Cath explains why euphemisms and half-rules can make things harder — and how to give clearer information without overwhelming your child.

In this episode:

• Why vague language like “be appropriate” often does not work

• Why literal learners need precision and clear exceptions

• Why usable ru...

Trying to cover everything in one big conversation can create overload fast — especially for autistic tweens. In this episode, Cath explains why the “big talk” often backfires, why silence does not mean it failed, and what works better instead.

In this episode:

• Why one big talk can create shutdown, overload, or disengagement

• Why autistic tweens often need time to process after the conversation

• Why silence and delayed quest...

A lot of parents of autistic tweens carry extra fear, pressure, and responsibility around sex ed — and that anxiety can quietly block the very conversations their child needs. In this episode, Cath looks at the fears that sit underneath the hesitation and how to stop letting fear drive the teaching.

In this episode:

• Why sex ed can feel heavier when your child is autistic

• Fear of getting it wrong, saying too much, or trigg...

If you have ever tried to talk to your autistic tween about sex ed and felt like it just did not land, you are not imagining it. In this episode, Cath unpacks why sex ed often feels different when your child is autistic — and why the problem is usually not the topic, but the teaching.

In this episode:

• Why autistic tweens still need the same core sex ed topics

• Why generic sex ed advice often feels too vague, too big, or badly timed

• ...

Welcome to Sex Ed for Parents of Autistic Tweens

If you know your autistic child needs sex ed, but a lot of the usual advice feels vague, clunky, or like it just does not fit — this season is for you.

In this opening episode, Cath shares what this season is about, why her approach to sex ed changed after diagnosis, and why autistic tweens do not need different sex ed topics — they need sex ed that actually works for them.

In this epis...

Think you’ve ticked off the sex ed talk? Not quite. In this episode, we’ll cover why sex ed is an ongoing convo - and how to keep showing up, even when it’s awkward or met with grunts.

• Why sex ed doesn’t end with “the talk”
• How ongoing convos help your tween feel safe, seen and supported
• Why repetition and tone matter more than perfect answers
• What real-life sex ed looks like in busy families (hint: it’s not fancy!)
• The moments tha...

Your child is growing up - but if they’re autistic, typical sex ed advice might not work. In this episode, we’ll explore how to adapt puberty and sex ed talks so they feel clear, calm, and supportive for your child.

• Why sex ed might look different for autistic kids
• How to use concrete, literal language that makes sense
• What to do if your child takes things very literally
• Why repetition, visual supports, and structure are your best...

Most kids don’t go looking for porn - they stumble across it. In this episode, you’ll learn how to talk to your tween about porn calmly and clearly, so they feel safe coming to you (not the internet) with their questions.

• Why porn is so different now than it was when we were growing up
• What your tween might see (and why it’s often not age-appropriate)
• How porn can shape ideas about sex, consent, and relationships
• What to say if yo...

You bring up sex ed… and your tween shuts it down. 😳 In this episode, we’ll unpack what to do when convos get awkward, why it’s usually not about you, and how to keep the door open for next time.

• 8 common hurdles that throw sex ed conversations off track
• Why “Ugh, stop!” doesn’t mean they’re not listening
• What to say when your child walks away, says “I already know”, or won’t respond at all
• How to handle embarrassment, distractio...

You’re halfway through dinner when your child asks, “Mum, what’s a…?” 😳 In this episode, we’ll cover how to answer tricky sex ed questions with calm, honest, age-appropriate replies - no panic (or PhD) required.

• Why kids ask questions about sex, bodies, and relationships (and what they really want from you)
• A calm 5-step plan for responding - even when you feel clueless
• How to delay the convo without shutting it down
• What to say ...

Worried you’ve said too much - or not enough? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll unpack 6 common sex ed mistakes parents make - and how small tweaks can make things easier and more effective.

• Why waiting too long to start the convo often backfires
• What happens when you only talk about your child’s body (and not others)
• How little chats build trust more than big talks ever could
• Why diversity, empathy and body awareness matter...

Most puberty advice is written for “boys” or “girls” - but what if your child doesn’t fit neatly into either? This episode walks you through how to talk about puberty in a gender-neutral way - so your child feels safe, supported, and seen.

• Why most puberty books and lessons leave gender-diverse kids out - and how to fill the gap
• What to say when puberty changes don’t match how your child sees themselves
• How to explain things like ...

Think your daughter knows what’s coming with puberty? She might not. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 9 changes every girl (or child with ovaries) needs to know - before puberty is in full swing.

Because when she hears it from you, she’s less likely to feel confused, anxious or ashamed - and more likely to feel confident and calm.

• The signs puberty is starting - and why every girl’s timeline looks different
• The one thing tha...

You want your son to feel confident about his changing body - but where do you even start? In this episode, I’ll walk you through 6 puberty changes that every boy (or tween with testicles) should hear about - clearly, calmly, and without embarrassment.

• 6 honest, medically accurate puberty changes your son needs to know
• What to say about erections, wet dreams, and voice cracks - without awkwardness
• Why hygiene and emotions matter j...

Already had the puberty talk with your tween? Awesome - but there’s a good chance they still haven’t heard everything they need. In this episode, I’ll walk you through six must-share messages that go beyond the basics to help your child feel confident, calm and ready for all the changes ahead.

• The 6 big-picture messages tweens really need to hear about puberty
• Why the physical changes are only one part of the story
• How to explain ...

Ever walk away from a sex ed convo feeling like you fumbled it? 😬 You’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll share the secret sauce that makes sex ed chats smoother, clearer, and more aligned with your family values. No scripts. No shame. Just a simple 3-step framework that works.

• The “magic trio” that makes every sex ed convo easier and more meaningful
• Why sharing your values doesn’t mean avoiding the facts
• What to say when your ch...

Worried that explaining something like a sex toy or porn will “ruin their innocence”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll show you what age-appropriate really means - and how to answer even tricky questions without overexposing your child or making it weird.

• What makes a conversation “age-appropriate” (it’s not the topic - it’s the explanation)
• Why kids ask about sex toys, porn or adult content - and how to respond calmly
• How ...

Feel like you're overthinking what to say - and how much to share? This episode will help you simplify it all. Learn how to decide what your tween actually needs to know right now, and how to start the conversation without going too far, too fast.

• Why you don’t have to teach everything all at once
• The difference between mentioning and diving into detail
• How to tailor your conversations to your child’s readiness
• What your tween need...