From the moment my boys were toddlers, I’ve made it a point to talk to them openly—always in ways they could understand—about sex, bodies, and respect. They’ve known where babies come from since they were young enough to ask, they get that everyone is the boss of their own body, and they don’t even blink when I bring up tampons or other topics many parents shy away from.
But now that they’re growing into young men, lying awake at night, I sometimes wonder: Will they keep listening to their old mom? Or will the louder voices of peers, the internet, and social media drown me out? What lessons about sex and relationships are they really internalizing? Who are the positive male role models guiding them?
I stumbled upon something that gave me hope—and a good laugh—just this morning. There’s a TikTok account called Sex Ed for Guys, run by students at Colby College. Their mission is straightforward and powerful: help young people make healthy, informed choices in their sexual lives. Watching their videos, my heart swelled.
One clip explained why people who are intoxicated cannot give conscious consent—a simple but crucial message. Another normalized male friends openly expressing platonic love for each other, breaking down toxic ideas about masculinity. Yet another encouraged viewers to check in on friends who might be struggling emotionally. These videos mix humor with honesty in a way that feels real and relatable.
And then, there were the workouts for respecting women. Yes, workouts! Picture a funny exercise routine all about respect—a playful yet poignant way to drive home the point that respect takes effort, like any muscle you want to strengthen.
It made me realize that sex education doesn’t have to be awkward or boring. It can be funny, genuine, and packed with real-life wisdom.
As a parent, I’m always curious about how others tackle these conversations. How do you talk to your kids about sex? Are there books or resources you trust? And what about the male role models you admire? For me, Steph Curry stands out—not just for his sportsmanship but for the way he openly mentors young people and supports his family with respect and love.
I root for these boys with all my heart. I want them to grow up knowing they deserve respect and to give it in return, to understand their own bodies, and to navigate relationships with kindness and honesty.
Here’s to the messy, awkward, funny, and sometimes sweet journey of teaching our kids about sex—in a way that sticks.
