"Let Kids Just Be Kids!"

Having The Talk didn't take away from my kids' childhood over the holidays

Author

Kathleen Hema
December 25, 2025

“Just let kids have a childhood.”

-it’s what parents tell me when I say kids need to learn what sex is at some point during the Intermediate age (ages 7,8,9).

As I reflect on this time of the year, while watching my kids enjoy the magic of the holiday season, I can’t help but notice their childhood. We talk about 🎅 Santa, the magic of the season 🎄, giving and receiving 🎁, and the importance of kindness 💕.

You’d have no idea that they already know where babies come from and what’s sex. This knowledge of sex hasn’t diminished their love for little ponies, legos, baking cookies and all the magic that this time of the year brings.

You might be part of the 1 out of every 10 parents who tell me, “I just want my kids to enjoy childhood and get to be a kid for as long as possible.” If you’re thinking that kids will abruptly stop being interested in childlike things after learning what sex is and where babies come from, then let me be completely honest with you - the kids will still be kids!

I’ve helped over 500 parents have the Where do Babies Come From Talk using the Early Talks Guide and over 300 parents have the Sex Talk inside Top Talks and each parent tells me the same thing:

“Kathleen, I was so worried and nervous to explain sex to my kid. I thought it was going to be overwhelming for them but instead, it went exactly like you said. My kid thought it was gross and said they will never do that - even when they become a grown-up! I immediately followed up with the CSA prevention statement like you said and it all fell into place in under 3 minutes! My kid has the knowledge that they need, I had the talk before they heard it from their friends, and now I can focus on reinforcing that message as I start the puberty, relationships, and online safety talks. I wouldn’t have done it without the reassurance of Top Talks! THANK YOU!”

-mom of 9 year-old

Kids in the Intermediate (7,8,9) age are at the in-between phase - the I’m not a kid like my little siblings but I’m not a teenager yet. They want a little independence. They want the chance to hang out with their friends without adult supervision. They want to ride their bike to a convenient store and buy something with their birthday money. They’re looking to walk around the mall with their friends and then meet you back at the food court at a specific time.

As parents, we tend to forget that these are all learning opportunities for them to build real-life skills while they still want to be around us! It’s tailored to give independence in a controlled environment. It’s developing their skills which is similar to developing their knowledge of what sex is. It’s not harming them, it’s age-appropriate knowledge especially when it’s followed up with the CSA prevention statement. It’s just the next step of body safety information from the talks you’ve had in the Primary (4,5,6) age about private parts, bodily autonomy, and setting & maintaining body boundaries.

If your kid is turning 8,9, or 10 years old in 2026 - don’t hesitate to start getting ready to explain what sex is. Learn the 7 signs that your kid is ready to learn it while practicing the script to easily deliver the CSA Prevention Statement. Your kid will will get the time they need to absorb this information as you prepare for the future talks!

Make it a part of your commitment to your kid for 2026. Prepare yourself to deliver the sex talk and equip your child with the information that lays a foundation to the future talks. If you’re ready to get started, I’m ready to support you! See you in 2026!

Thank you for being here and supporting my mission to give parents the confidence to have medically-accurate and age-appropriate talks!

I’ve appreciated every cup of coffee, every like and comment, every share and forward of my videos and emails!

I’ll continue to be here to support you to have Top Talks in 2026. 😘

And if you want to grab Top Talks at it’s lowest price - now’s the time!!