Become an Askable Parent with AMAZE

In this episode, you’ll hear from the amazing Robie Harris. Robie’s groundbreaking sex ed books, including titles such as “It’s Perfectly Normal,” “It’s So Amazing,” and “It’s Not the Stork” have served as key educational resources for countless families and two of her titles are among the American Library Association's most-challenged books of the 21st century. Robie and host Christine Koh talk about key conversational topics to address with kids, why parents struggle so much talking to kids about how babies are made -- and how to get to the other side of that struggle -- and more.Links:Robie Harris Books: It’s Perfectly Normal:Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health, It’s So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families, Who Has What?: All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodiesamaze jr. AMAZE Video: Where Do Babies Come FromAMAZE Video: How Are Babies Made?Become An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

In this episode, you’ll hear from the amazing Melissa Pintor Carnagey of Sex Positive Families on how to talk to kids about porn. Melissa and host Christine Koh talk about mainstream versus ethical porn, what to do if your child is seeking out porn, how to create a sex positive culture in your family, and more. Links:Sex Positive FamiliesCommon Sense MediaScarleteenS.E.X., second edition: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties by Heather CorinnaThe Girls' Guide to Sex Education: Over 100 Honest Answers to Urgent Questions about Puberty, Relationships, and Growing Up by Michelle HopeBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

In this episode, you’ll hear from the amazing Katherine McLaughlin, a sexuality educator focused on the disabilities community. Katherine and host Christine Koh talk about how it’s crucial for parents to be open and honest in teaching young people about their bodies, sexuality, and self-advocacy, what it was like for Katherine to advise on the AMAZE Disability + Sexuality video, and more. Links:AMAZE Disability and Sexuality VideoCurriculum: Sexuality Education for People with Developmental DisabilitiesTalking With Your Kids: Developmental Disability and Sexuality Online CourseDevelopmental Disabilities and Sexuality 101 Online Course for EducatorsCNN Love Story: Down For LoveBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

In this episode, you’ll hear from the amazing Carly Anderson, a former elementary school educator turned digital content creator.  Carly and host Christine Koh talk about Carly’s path to igniting a body positivity movement, how her daughter has served as an inspiration in her journey, why talking to kids early about their bodies is so crucial, and more. Links:Lipgloss and CrayonsCarly Anderson on Instagram @lipglossandcrayonsBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

In this episode, you’ll hear from the wonderful Ran Courant-Morgan, Manager of Parent Education at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Ran brings a very special dose of magic to their education work with parents, caregivers, and direct care professionals. In this episode Ran and host Christine Koh talk about how our culture is learning a new language and a new way to think about gender, how to practice using they/them pronouns, why it’s important to meet kids where they are at when it comes to conversations about sex and gender, and more. Links:Planned Parenthood League of MassachusettsFamily Acceptance ProjectWhat Makes A Baby by Cory SilverbergAMAZE Live! with Cory Silverberg and Bianca LaureanoEdit Your Life Episode 114: Gender Identity 101 with Casey BrownKids-AskBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

The pandemic has created so many challenges, among them, how to handle friendships and feelings. In this episode, you’ll hear from licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor, journalist, and author Phyllis Fagell. Phyllis and host Christine Koh talk about building character and confidence during hard times, how friendships -- and the social landscape -- are playing out during the pandemic, productive ways to lean into feelings, and how parents and caregivers can best support kids who are experiencing big feelings.Links:Phyllis FagellPhyllis’ book Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond--and How Parents Can HelpHow To Make a Values VocabularyBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

Technology can be both a blessing and a challenge. In this episode, you’ll hear from educator and award-winning content creator Leticia Barr. Leticia and host Christine Koh talk about keeping up with social media, balancing screen time, and the ever popular question, "how do I know when my child is ready for a phone?"Links:Leticia Barr at Tech Savvy MamaCommon Sense MediaThe Smart Talk Why Getting My 11-Year-Old a Phone Was One of the Best Parenting Decisions I've Ever Madeamaze jr. resources for parents and kids in the 4-9 year old rangeBark app  Become An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

How conversations about sex, love, and equality play out clearly differ depending on where you live. In this episode, you’ll hear from Bonnie Rough, author of “Beyond Birds  and Bees: Bringing Home a New Message To Our Kids about Sex, Love, and Equality.” Bonnie and host Christine Koh talk about Bonnie’s observations about the differences between American and Dutch cultural approaches to sex, bodies, love, and more. They talk about Bonnie’s experience abroad, as well as her impression that, “American culture has confused the body with sexuality, sexuality with eroticism, eroticism with shame, and shame with safe keeping.” Links:Bonnie RoughBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

To say that the pandemic has been hard on teens is clearly a massive understatement. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jaynay Johnson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist also known as “The Teen Whisperer.” Jaynay and host Christine Koh talk about the nuanced struggles that teens currently face as they wade through the pandemic, why it’s important to help teens become emotionally responsible and well, even when their parents aren’t around, simple verbal and nonverbal ways parents can support teens right now, the importance of infusing positivity and humor into everyday life, and more.Links:Jaynay Johnson, LMFTUpcoming Teen Talk eventsThe Black Brain CampaignBecome An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).

Normalizing sex ed conversations can feel daunting; we’re here to help! In this episode, you’ll hear from an incredible parent-teen duo. Sexuality educator Dr. Logan Levkoff and her son Maverick join host Christine Koh for an amazing conversation on how to normalize sex ed conversations at home. They talk about how Logan’s work in sexuality education has evolved since becoming a parent, the earliest sex ed conversations Logan and Maverick had together, key concerns that tweens and teens have about sex ed, and more! Links:Logan Levkoff, Ph.D.Related AMAZE video: When will I be ready? When should I have sex? Related AMAZE video: Porn: Fact or Fiction?Become An Askable Parent is a podcast from AMAZE.org. AMAZE creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. The goal of the podcast is to help parents learn how to communicate better (even when they don’t have all the answers!) so their kids know that they can ask them anything. Connect with AMAZE.org on YouTube (@amazeparents), Facebook (@amazeparents), Instagram (@amazeparents) and Twitter (@amazeorg).