This Is So Awkward Our Kids Know More + Less Than We Think
Aug 5, 2025
Tweens and teens often know more and less than we assume about crucial topics. Social media fuels misinformation on nutrition and supplements, with personal experiences shaping their beliefs. The impact of pornography on sexual understanding raises concerns about normalizing harmful behaviors. Neuroscience shows a shift in adolescent motivations around age 12, influencing their conversations about drugs and relationships. Engaging kids with open questions can create a safe space for dialogue, helping them navigate these complexities.
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Misplaced Assumptions About What Kids Know
- Vanessa took her 11-year-old to a comedy show and assumed he knew sexual terms from family exposure.
- When she asked, he admitted he didn't know what a blowjob was and she explained it briefly without judgment.
Hold Two Truths About Teen Knowledge
- Parents must hold two truths: teens sometimes know a lot and sometimes know very little about the same topic.
- This cognitive dissonance makes guiding adolescents uniquely challenging.
Find Their Starting Point First
- Start conversations by finding the child's starting point without judgment to avoid assumptions.
- Ask questions that reveal their source of information before correcting or instructing them.