This Whole Life
How does our mental health relate to our faith? How can we become whole while living in a broken world? Every day, we all strive to encounter God amidst the challenges of balancing faith and family, work and leisure, our sense of self and complicated relationships. Pat & Kenna Millea bring joy, hope, and wisdom to those who believe there *is* a connection between holiness and happiness. Kenna is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; Pat served for 15 years as a youth minister; together they have 7 children and a perfectly imperfect marriage. From their education and experience, they share tools, resources, interviews, and stories that point the way to sanity and sanctity. (Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.)
This Whole Life
Ep99 Talking to Your Kids About Sex | Dr. Julia Sadusky
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"There is literally nowhere else on the face of the earth I'd rather you go than to me."
~ Dr. Julia Sadusky
- Why do so many well-meaning Catholic parents freeze when it comes to talking to their kids about sex?
- What do you actually say when your child comes home asking about their classmate’s parents?
- How do you talk to your kids about pornography before they encounter it?
In episode 99 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna welcome back Dr. Julia Sadusky, licensed clinical psychologist, author, and one of the most trusted Catholic voices in the space of sexual formation. Julia wrote not one but two books to help Catholic parents have these conversations well: one for kids ages zero to nine, and one for teens. This episode is the one your group chat has been needing.
Julia doesn't make this scary or clinical. She walks Pat and Kenna through the common obstacles that stop parents cold, and then gives them real tools. Actual scripts. Practical language for everything from explaining genitalia to a toddler, to responding when your child asks why their friend has two dads, to having the pornography conversation before it becomes a crisis.
The goal isn't a perfect talk. The goal is a relationship where your child knows you are the first place they go.
Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and adjunct professor based in Littleton, Colorado. Her clinical work and research focus on sexual and gender development and trauma-informed care. She holds a bachelor's from Ave Maria University and a master's degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Regent University.
Chapters:
- (00:47) — Introduction and welcome
- (07:30) — Highs and Hards: life lately
- (11:10) — Why Julia wrote the books
- (16:53) — The biggest obstacles parents face
- (24:09) — Why your child's reaction in the moment doesn't measure your success
- (31:34) — It's not one talk — it's a thousand small moments
- (36:20) — What to say when your child asks about two dads
- (43:30) — Talking to your kids about pornography before they encounter it
- (47:59) — A vision of hope for parents
- (50:30) — Challenge by Choice
Links and Resources:
- Start Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Ages 0–9) — Dr. Julia Sadusky
- Start Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Teens) — Dr. Julia Sadusky
- Dr. Julia Sadusky — Website
- Talking With Your Teen About Sex online course
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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration
Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.
