On 'Talking Taboo,' I'm diving into a topic that many parents find challenging to address: masturbation. I believe it’s essential to have open and honest conversations about this aspect of sexual pleasure, instead of letting it become a source of shame or secrecy. Masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality, and by discussing it with our children, we can help them develop a healthy relationship with their own bodies and desires.

One of the key points I make is the importance of mindful masturbation - being truly present in the body, instead of relying on screens or constant visual stimulation. In our digital age, there’s a risk of young people becoming overly dependent on online content for sexual gratification, which can create unhealthy habits. I encourage parents to guide their children toward understanding their own pleasure in a way that’s grounded in reality, not just what they see on a screen.

I also explore how boys and girls might experience and express sexual arousal differently, which makes these conversations even more important. For girls, the topic can often be cloaked in greater stigma, making it crucial for parents to create a safe and supportive space for their daughters to explore these feelings without judgement. Boys, on the other hand, may face different pressures around sexual performance and expectations.

About Janet:
Janet is an Intimacy Coach & Relationship Therapist based in the UK. She helps individuals & couples of any gender identity or sexual orientation achieve deeper levels of relational intimacy.

Janet trains healthcare professionals with her Sex Talk Education curriculum to manage Harmful Sexualised Behaviour. As a former teacher, she believes education is crucial for the development of relationships and personal protection for both adults and children.

Janet's work is influenced by her experiences as an adoptee & being an unexpected partner of a sex & porn addict (compulsive user).

Janet has worked as a Child Counsellor in primary schools, adult counsellor at Alder Hey Hospital (Staff Clients and child bereaved parents) and a School Safeguarding Supervisor.

Janet Simpson MBACP (Accred.), PGCE, BSc. (Hons) Counselling Adults & Couples, Child Counselling (Cert), Psychosexual (Cert)

FIND ME: https://www.linktr.ee/janetsimpson

FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @janet.eileen.simpson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-eileen-simpson-104b15149/

In 'Consent Conversations,' I dive deep into the topic of early communication and why teaching consent to our children is crucial. It’s not just about sexual consent—it’s about understanding boundaries, respect, and personal space from a young age. I explore how we can help our children learn to say and recognise "yes," and "no" in a variety of situations, empowering them to make choices that feel right for them.

I also highlight the NSPCC’s 'Pants' acronym, a simple and effective way to educate children about privacy and boundaries. It’s about making these conversations approachable and age-appropriate, so kids understand that their body belongs to them and that it's okay to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

One thing I focus on is clearing up misconceptions about consent, especially among young adults. Many still struggle to understand that a clear "no" is non-negotiable, and even a hesitant "maybe" can mean it’s time to pause and communicate more. It’s our job to set the foundation early, making sure our children grow up with a healthy understanding of boundaries.

I don’t shy away from discussing the influence of inappropriate content, like sexualised language or behaviours kids might encounter. These things can confuse them if we don’t step in to explain and contextualise what they’re seeing or hearing. I encourage parents to have open, curious, and non-judgmental conversations with their kids to help them feel safe to ask questions and express their feelings.

About Janet:
Janet is an Intimacy Coach & Relationship Therapist based in the UK. She helps individuals & couples of any gender identity or sexual orientation achieve deeper levels of relational intimacy.

Janet trains healthcare professionals with her Sex Talk Education curriculum to manage Harmful Sexualised Behaviour. As a former teacher, she believes education is crucial for the development of relationships and personal protection for both adults and children.

Janet's work is influenced by her experiences as an adoptee & being an unexpected partner of a sex & porn addict (compulsive user).

Janet has worked as a Child Counsellor in primary schools, adult counsellor at Alder Hey Hospital (Staff Clients and child bereaved parents) and a School Safeguarding Supervisor.

Janet Simpson MBACP (Accred.), PGCE, BSc. (Hons) Counselling Adults & Couples, Child Counselling (Cert), Psychosexual (Cert)

FIND ME: https://www.linktr.ee/janetsimpson

FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @janet.eileen.simpson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-eileen-simpson-104b15149/

I’m tackling the uncomfortable topic of shock porn—a side of the internet we wish didn’t exist, but one we can’t afford to ignore. I share a story from a parent whose child accidentally stumbled upon explicit animal content on TikTok, leaving the child confused and traumatised. It’s a stark reminder of why we, as parents, need to be the ones leading these conversations, rather than waiting for our kids to encounter things they’re not ready to understand.

Exposure to shock porn can leave lasting scars. I discuss how trauma from these experiences can manifest in two ways: overt trauma, which is immediately apparent, and covert trauma, which can linger beneath the surface and resurface in unexpected ways later in life. It’s the hidden nature of covert trauma that makes early, honest conversations about sex so essential.

I want parents to be proactive - not reactive - in guiding their children through these difficult topics. It’s not just about protecting them from shock content, but also about equipping them to understand what they might see or hear in a way that feels safe and manageable.

By being proactive and present, we can minimise the impact of accidental exposure and ensure our children develop a healthy, realistic understanding of sex. It’s about breaking the silence and replacing it with dialogue that’s honest, compassionate, and sometimes even a little bit funny—because laughter can often be the best way to diffuse the intensity of these situations.

About Janet:
Janet is an Intimacy Coach & Relationship Therapist based in the UK. She helps individuals & couples of any gender identity or sexual orientation achieve deeper levels of relational intimacy.

Janet trains healthcare professionals with her Sex Talk Education curriculum to manage Harmful Sexualised Behaviour. As a former teacher, she believes education is crucial for the development of relationships and personal protection for both adults and children.

Janet's work is influenced by her experiences as an adoptee & being an unexpected partner of a sex & porn addict (compulsive user).

Janet has worked as a Child Counsellor in primary schools, adult counsellor at Alder Hey Hospital (Staff Clients and child bereaved parents) and a School Safeguarding Supervisor.

Janet Simpson MBACP (Accred.), PGCE, BSc. (Hons) Counselling Adults & Couples, Child Counselling (Cert), Psychosexual (Cert)

FIND ME: https://www.linktr.ee/janetsimpson

FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @janet.eileen.simpson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-eileen-simpson-104b15149/