Empowering Conversations: The Power of Words in Sex Education for Kids and Parents

We’ve all heard that words have power, and I know this to be true with all my heart. No matter your background—whether you follow a particular faith or not—we all understand that the things we say can make or break a person, a situation, or even our own sense of self. In my sex education and puberty education workshops, one of the first things I teach is the profound impact our words have—not just on others, but also on ourselves. It’s this foundation of self-talk that shapes how we see our bodies, our worth, and our relationships.

But here's something I want you to think about: how we talk to ourselves matters just as much as what we say to others.

Why How We Talk to Ourselves Matters in Sex Education

Growing up in a Christian home, I was taught that my body was a temple. I learned that my body was good, special, and loved by God. But I realized later in life that even though I said I believed this, I wasn’t truly acting on it. I stood in front of the mirror, criticizing every inch of myself, thinking things like, "You’re too fat," "You’re not smart enough,"and "You’ll never figure this out."

Little did I know that, by constantly saying these things to myself, I was treating my body—my temple—like it was anything but sacred. Instead of reinforcing love and respect for my body, I was offering up these thoughts like prayers, casting spells of negativity over myself.

Whether you grew up in a religious household or not, this concept is universal. We often don't realize that our thoughts and words—especially the ones we say to ourselves—carry immense weight.

As a parent, one of the most important aspects of sex education for kids is teaching your child to value themselves and their bodies through positive self-talk. If we can model how to speak with compassion toward ourselves, we are equipping our children to do the same. Healthy self-talk can build self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of empowerment.

Teaching Kids to Speak Kindly to Themselves

When you teach your kids to think kindly about themselves and their bodies, you set them up for success in the most important ways. Healthy sex education isn’t just about biology and consent; it’s about laying the foundation of self-love and confidence.

Imagine if your child looked in the mirror and thought, “Wow, you’re amazing!” or “You’re the strongest, smartest, coolest person I know!” Picture them telling themselves, “I love what I see, and I can’t wait to see what else I can achieve!” This type of positive affirmation isn’t just feel-good fluff—it transforms how they view themselves and the world.

By teaching your children to speak to themselves with kindness and love, you give them the confidence to:

• Set healthy boundaries
• Protect their self-esteem
• Build strong, respectful relationships
• Navigate puberty and sex with confidence

This is the very foundation of good sex education: helping children and teens build a solid sense of self-worth so they can make informed, empowered decisions throughout their lives.

Building Better Communication with Your Teen

As your child enters their teenage years, open, ongoing communication is more important than ever. Teen sex education isn’t just about talking to your teen about sex; it’s about creating a space for them to talk openly with you about everything—puberty, relationships, pressures, and more.

Here are a few strategies for better communication with your teen:

• Be a Good Listener: Listen actively when your teen shares their thoughts or feelings. Don’t rush to offer advice or solutions. Just be present and let them express themselves.

• Stay Non-Judgmental: Teenagers are navigating a whirlwind of emotions and changes. Approach their concerns with understanding and patience, not judgment.

• Keep the Dialogue Open: Sex education isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing discussion that should evolve as your child grows and their needs change. Always make sure your teen knows they can talk to you about anything, no matter how uncomfortable.

The Best Sex Education for Kids: Transforming Confidence and Self-Esteem

Sex education is about much more than anatomy and consent. It’s about giving kids the tools to navigate life with confidence, respect, and the ability to make informed, empowered choices. The best sex education for kids focuses on building self-esteem, self-respect, and emotional intelligence, all of which will help them throughout their lives.

When we teach children how to love themselves, set boundaries, and communicate their needs, we equip them to handle the complexities of growing up with confidence. And this can start at home with the conversations we have.

Free Sex Education Starter Bundle

If you're ready to start these essential conversations with your child, I invite you to check out my free Sex Education Starter Bundle from Clarify Sex Education. This bundle includes a 25-minute lesson on how to communicate and listen well with your child, as well as a Parent Guidebook filled with practical tools and strategies for navigating conversations about puberty, boundaries, and sex.

Click here to grab your free bundle now!

Conclusion: Empowering Your Child Through Words and Education

Sex education for kids is about more than just teaching facts—it’s about empowering them to love and respect themselves, set boundaries, and make informed decisions. When we model positive self-talk and healthy communication as parents, we lay the groundwork for our children to grow into confident, empowered individuals.

Start today—equip your child with the foundation of self-love, respect, and confidence that will help them thrive in the complex world of puberty, relationships, and beyond.