[3-40] Decoding boys and Their Journey Through Puberty

I’ve said it a gajillion times. I’ll say it again. Our kids are waiting for us to start this conversation! But what if we get mixed signals in return? Like slammed doors. Or a son who suddenly grunts most of his words. What then? Is there a different approach for boys than girls? And how does a boy’s journey through puberty impact their response to pornography? 

In this episode, I talk with Cara Natterson, MD, who is a pediatrician, consultant, and New York Times, bestselling author. She’s written numerous books on parenting and puberty. Her latest work, Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons, is the inspiration for today’s discussion.  

Decoding Boys

As a parent, of only boys, I relate to Decoding Boys on many levels. But more than anything, I appreciate that the book calls on all parents to move toward these important conversations. To openly talk to our boys about their puberty, about sex, about pornography, and so much more! And to keep these conversations going—even if our boys go quiet or slam their door.

In this episode:

• Why boys go quiet. Understanding the silence and how to approach it.
• The sex talk. What we’re telling boys versus what they actually hear. 
• Porn, nudes, and consent. Why these are three inseparably linked conversations. 
• Exposed so young. How to have early, frequent, non-shaming conversations. 

Episode challenge

While your son transitions through puberty, think about how you can transition in your parenting. If you are uncomfortable with this conversation today, that’s okay. Acknowledge where you are at. But think about who you want to become and where you can shift. Then go for it. Try a new approach. See where it takes you. Because, as Dr. Cara says, this conversation is everything! 

Download our FREE guide 

Looking for an easy way to start the conversation? Get started with 10 Natural Ways to Talk to Kids About Pornography. Download your FREE pdf here. http://bit.ly/10-Ways-to-Talk

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please leave a positive review or tell a friend!

More about today’s guest

Cara Natterson, MD, is a pediatrician, consultant, and New York Times bestselling author of puberty and parenting books. In 2020, she launched OOMLA, a company dedicated to making puberty more comfortable, literally.

Cara’s journey through health advocacy began at Harvard College, Johns Hopkins Medical School, and the University of California at San Francisco. After many years of clinical practice, Cara now travels the country speaking to both kids and parents about taking ownership of their health and wellness, translating cutting-edge research into understandable, actionable, and even entertaining information.

Cara has served on several boards as a Director or Advisor, including Starlight Children’s Foundation, The Honest Company, Zemcar, Baby2Baby, and The John Thomas Dye School. And when she’s not doing any of this other stuff, she is spending time with the people who make her all the better at it: her husband and two teenage kids.

Links/Resources

NEW COURSE – Get Off the Fence: Confidently Talk to Your Child or Teen About Pornography

BOOK – Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons

OOMLA – Website, The Puberty Podcast

FORTIFY – Is your teen struggling with pornography? Click here to check out Fortify – FREE for youth!

BARK – Want help monitoring your kids’ apps and social media? Click here for a FREE 30-day trial of the Bark App or download it at the app store and use our promo code: MEDIASAVVY

*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.

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Media Savvy Moms Podcast

Who knew honest conversations about parenting and pornography could be so approachable? Join Marilyn for a series of contemplations, chats, and interviews as she helps fellow parents tackle this challenging topic with their kids.

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