PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
EDSE wants parents, caregivers, and guardians to feel as prepared as possible to answer the kinds of questions you know your kids are going to ask, if they haven’t already. Teens are eager for this information, even if they might not admit it, and they need to see the adults around them feeling comfortable discussing it — or feeling comfortable acknowledging their discomfort, uncertainty, or other emotions that come up for them. It’s not easy, but it can be incredibly healing to witness a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult demonstrate honesty, vulnerability, and care by naming their feelings and responding to young people’s questions instead of shutting them down. Sometimes the most helpful and truthful response is, “I don’t know but let me help you find out.”
EDSE founder and lead educator Anne Hodder-Shipp has been working with and teaching teenagers about sex, relationships, identity, and more since 2015, when she began teaching sex ed to 9th graders on behalf of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Anne understands that having these talks can feel terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be — and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Anne can help you get there!
Families come in all shapes, sizes, and experience levels, and Anne is available to help parents and caregivers navigate unknown territory, including:
When you know it’s time to talk about body changes and puberty but you’re not sure how to do it. “My mother never talked to me about periods. How do I talk about it with my kid?”
When your sexual orientation differs from your child’s. “My partner and I are lesbians. How do I talk to my heterosexual teenager about pregnancy prevention?”
When your gender differs from your child’s. “I’m a Dad. How am I supposed to have sex talks with my two daughters?”
When you want to update your language so you can be affirming and respectful. “My child might be trans or non-binary. How can I make my communication more inclusive?”
When your child’s anatomy is unfamiliar. “I don’t know anything about penises. How do I talk to my son about hygiene and puberty?”
Anne also hosts workshops just for parents and caregivers via Zoom, which allows them to receive personalized support, ask burning questions, and be reminded that they’re not the only ones having these feelings, thoughts, or experiences. These group workshops start at $400 for groups of up to 5 adults and take place online. In-person group workshops include a travel fee.