Thriving Kids

Parents sent in smart, honest questions about how to keep conversations about sex, consent, and safety going at home. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute, answers questions about when to start, what’s age-appropriate, and how to talk about everything from consent to porn — without losing your kid’s trust.

You’ll learn how to:
• Start early talking about body boundaries and use accurate language
• Talk about consent in everyday life
• Handle porn exposure and online curiosity
• Balance privacy, safety, and your family’s values
• Keep the door open even when teens roll their eyes

Key takeaways:

• What age to start talking about sex and consent
• How to explain the biology of reproduction without euphemisms
• Setting boundaries and modeling consent in daily life
• Talking about porn and online exposure without shame
• Balancing privacy and safety with teens in relationships
• How to share family values without sounding preachy
• What to do if your teen is already sexually active
• Keeping awkward conversations open and honest

Resources mentioned:

Books
Organizations & platforms

• Peer Health Exchange
• Selfsea – digital platform by Peer Health Exchange with stories and tools created with and for young people
• Planned Parenthood – resources and education for sexual and reproductive health

Further reading

• How to Talk to Kids About Sex and Boundaries – Child Mind Institute
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn – TIME, by Dr. Dave Anderson
• Talk to Your Kids About Sex and Healthy Relationships – health.gov
• The Best Sex Education Books for Kids of All Ages (And Their Parents!) – Parents / AAP

Creators and Guests

Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
AD
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.

What is Thriving Kids?

Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health.

Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science.

You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day.

New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.