Rebecca discusses the importance of open communication about puberty and body literacy with children with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science. They emphasize starting these conversations early (preschool!), using correct anatomical terms, and creating a positive narrative around menstruation. The discussion also covers how to navigate children's questions, the role of parents in body education, and the significance of empowering children with knowledge about their bodies and boundaries in order to avoid stigma and shame and to keep themselves safe. The conversation aims to shift the narrative from negative to positive, encouraging a healthier understanding of puberty and body changes.

More About Girl Power Science and Konika Wong:

Konika co-founded GPS (Girl Power Science) with her daughter to empower girls to navigate growing up with confidence. She is an author, body literacy specialist, and mom on a mission to reframe pubertal changes as superpowers. Based in San Francisco, she has been a puberty educator for 23 years. Her popular children’s books, One in a Million – A First Book About Periods and How to Tame a Tickle Monster – A First Book About Body Safety, are designed for kids ages 4 and up. Konika is passionate about starting these conversations early and breaking cycles of shame by celebrating growth.

Definition of Body Literacy:

Body literacy is the ability to understand and respond to your body's signals—starting with basic needs like thirst, hunger, tiredness, and bathroom cues, and growing into more advanced awareness around things like screen time, relationships, and intuitive eating.

As a body literacy specialist, Konika teaches classes that combine social emotional learning and science on a variety of topics including body safety, friendship skills, body image, and puberty.

Questions Answered in This Podcast:

When should I start conversations about puberty? My son has seen me in the bathroom when I was on my period and asked if I was hurt and I didn’t know how to respond-he is 3 yrs?

I heard that using correct anatomical names for penis, vagina, vulva etc can protect children against abuse but my husband is really uncomfortable with these terms-any advice?

In my family periods were a curse for women, there was so much talk about how awful pms was-how do I paint a more positive view for my daughter?

How do we respond to How did the baby get inside your tummy in a developmentally appropriate way. I don’t want to show I’m uncomfortable with the topic but don’t want to give the detailed sex ed talk to my preschooler either.

Takeaways

• It's never too early to start these conversations.
• The earlier we start, the easier it is for kids to understand.
• Kids can sense our comfort level with these topics.
• Using correct anatomical names empowers children against abuse.
• Creating a positive narrative around menstruation is...

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Open Conversations About Puberty
• (00:02:54) - Starting Early: The Importance of Body Literacy
• (00:05:58) - Navigating Questions: How to Respond to Kids
• (00:08:59) - Creating a Positive Narrative Around Menstruation
• (00:11:57) - Understanding and Normalizing Periods
• (00:14:44) - Empowering Children with Body Knowledge
• (00:17:48) - Addressing Body Boundaries and Safety
• (00:20:47) - The Role of Parents in Body Education
• (00:23:50) - Flipping the Script on Negative Narratives
• (00:26:45) - Conclusion: Embracing Change and Growth

EPISODE 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You?

Middle School/HS Edition

With special guest host, Rebecca’s 15 year old son, Joey! Learn how to create balance with screens, IRL (In Real Life Activities) and how to use summer to level up (or discover) your passions and interests!

• Summer camps can provide structured activities for children.
• Encouraging children to explore hobbies can lead to personal growth.
• It's important to have a plan for free time to avoid excessive screen time.
• Using resources like ChatGPT can help find suitable camps and activities.
• Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to spend summer days.
• Parents should communicate with their children about their interests and goals.
• Reading can be encouraged by providing a variety of genres.
• Online learning platforms offer flexible options for summer education.
• Creating a bucket list can make summer more exciting.
• Engaging in social activities is healthier than solo screen time.

Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 5:
Let Grow Project When Parents Step Back, Kids Step UP
Screen Sense IRL Summer Packet-Screen time alternatives, contracts, and positive creative uses of tech

Pixel Parenting: What Parents need to now about video game research on Spotify or Apple

Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on

• (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters: Real Talk From Kids to Teens
• (00:01:12) - Are My Kids Ready for Summer?
• (00:02:07) - How to Balance Summer Work and Family Time
• (00:03:19) - How to Get a Job When You're 16
• (00:05:20) - How To Prevent Summer Downtime For Kids
• (00:09:46) - What Should I Do About Summer Camp?
• (00:15:49) - How to Prevent Video Gaming in Kids
• (00:17:57) - Summer in Real Life: Screen Activities
• (00:21:20) - Creating a 'Bucket List'
• (00:22:37) - How to Get Middle-Schoolers to Read This Book
• (00:24:36) - Last-Minute Camps and Volunteering
• (00:25:22) - Volunteer Work in San Francisco
• (00:30:02) - Parenting Matters