Cath Hakanson's Blog

So… you’ve started the convos. You’ve talked about puberty, periods, erections, maybe even porn.Now you’re wondering – have I done enough?In this episode, I want to remind you that sex ed isn’t a one-and-done talk – it’s an ongoing conversation that grows with your child. And the fact that you’re even here, doing this, already...

This post Sex ed isn’t over – It’s just getting started! was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

Short Summary Media Muscle: Body Image and the Media for Guys by Lisa Cox is a short, practical guide that helps boys understand how media messages shape the way they see their bodies. With clear explanations, real examples, and simple activities, it builds media literacy and boosts self-esteem – making it a great resource for boys...

This post Media Muscle by Lisa Cox was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

Short Summary Does My Bum Look Big in This Ad? by Lisa Cox is a short, practical, and eye-opening book that helps tweens and teens understand how the media shapes the way we think about bodies. It unpacks the tricks advertisers use, why images are altered, and how unrealistic standards can affect self-esteem. It’s a fantastic...

This post Does my bum look big in this ad? by Lisa Cox was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… you’re raising an autistic tween.And when it comes to puberty and sex ed, you’ve probably realised – some things need to be explained differently.In this episode, I’m sharing what makes sex ed work for autistic kids. I’ll walk you through the common challenges (like literal thinking, sensory needs, and social confusion) and show you...

This post Raising an autistic tween? Here’s how to talk about sex and puberty was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… you want to have the sex ed conversations – but between school drop-offs, groceries, and work deadlines, it just never seems to happen.In this episode, I’ll show you what sex ed actually looks like in a busy household – and how short, natural, everyday chats can make a bigger impact than any “big talk”...

This post Too busy for sex ed? Let’s make it doable was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… your child is online. They’re watching YouTube, playing games, chatting with friends.And whether you like it or not – porn is out there.In this episode, we’re talking about how to protect your tween from porn – and why the best protection isn’t a filter, it’s a conversation. You’ll learn what to say (and how...

This post From YouTube to group chats: Why tweens need help navigating porn was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… you finally work up the courage to start a sex ed convo – And your tween shuts it down with an eye roll, a groan, or a dramatic “Muuuuum, that’s so gross!”What now?In this episode, we’ll talk about what to do when conversations don’t go to plan. Whether they walked off, looked mortified, or...

This post When your tween says “Ugh, stop!” – What to do next was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… your child asks a question you weren’t expecting – maybe in the car, at the shops, or right before bedtime.And suddenly your brain goes blank. 😳 In this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to respond to sex ed questions – whether you know the answer or not. You’ll learn what to say in...

This post “Mum, what’s a…?” How to respond without panicking was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

So… you’re doing your best with sex ed – but you’re still not sure you’re getting it “right.”Sound familiar?In this episode, I’m unpacking 6 of the most common mistakes I see parents making when they try to talk about sex, bodies, or puberty – and one bonus tip at the end. No shame, no judgment...

This post From too late to TMI: The mistakes that make sex ed harder than it needs to be was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.

 So… what happens when puberty doesn’t match how your child sees themselves?This episode of the podcast dives into how to talk about puberty in a way that works for non-binary, trans, and gender-diverse kids – and why these conversations matter before the changes begin. Whether your child is already showing signs of puberty or you’re...

This post Puberty Talk for Non-Binary Kids (Without the Gendered Scripts) was written by Cath Hakanson (she/her) and first appeared on Sex educator | Sex Ed Rescue.