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/