“What’s a Virgin?”

I watched Hocus Pocus every October in the late 90s! It was constantly played on the Disney Channel and I just loved the costumes, the music, and the general spooky vibe!

But now as a mom, as much as I wanna share the nostalgia with my kids - there’s a lot in that movie that my 9 year-old may have questions about. So here’s a friendly reminder to all of my fellow moms and dads who are thinking about choosing Hocus Pocus on Disney+ for family movie night - you may find yourself having a sex talk! Your kid might ask you, “what’s a virgin?” because you may have forgotten that that’s a very central plot to this whole movie!

The Sanderson sisters mention virgins numerous times throughout the movie! And if you’ve created a home environment where your kid feels comfortable to ask you questions, you’ll probably get asked this. Are you ready to explain what’s a virgin to your 9 year-old?

If not, then skip Hocus Pocus this year. But if you’re ready to have this talk - here’s what you need to know.

At 9 years-old, it is considered age-appropriate to explain what is sex. Most kids hear the word sex at some point during the Intermediate (7,8,9) age and will usually ask, What’s sex? So, this can be a good opportunity to explain what a virgin is by also explaining what is sex. You can use the script inside the Sex Talks Starter Pack to explain what is sex and then simply follow-up with, “a virgin refers to any adult who has never had sex.”

It really can be that simple! They asked, “What’s a virgin?” You answered it in an age-appropriate way. You’re done!

If you’ve already had the sex talk, watching Hocus Pocus with your kid can be a chance for you to reinforce that information (as well as your CSA prevention statement) and ask your kid if they know what a virgin means when watching the movie.

This shows your kid that you’re willing to talk about these topics. You’re willing to answer questions that they may have. And it’s important to you that they have accurate information. Being prepared with how to respond if they ask and prepared to explain it even if they don’t - is great parenting! 💪🏽 It’s taking an active approach to this topic which has not always been the approach of parents in previous generations.

What if your 6 year-old asks, “What’s a virgin?”