⚠ COVID-19 INFORMATION: Vaccine Information, Other Resources 

Never Fear Talks

Never Fear Talks are unscripted videos to demonstrate authentic conversation between young people and their trusted adults. The images and information contained in the videos do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Lurie Children’s, its affiliates, or its funding partners. Never Fear Talks videos are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Stressing out about having that one big “sex talk” with your young person? You know... that one where you impart all there is to know about sexuality, gender, puberty, reproductive systems, sexual health, consent and relationships? Well, good news, there isn’t just ONE talk! 

Young people are always observing, listening, learning from you and from their world. There are so many little ways over the years that you connect and share messages about identities, bodies, and relationships. Ann Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago’s Potocsnak Division of Adolescent Young Adult Medicine shows you real-life examples of adults and youth having quick meaningful conversations about navigating sexual health. We bring you Never Fear Talks

Click the links below to view the Never Fear Talks: 

Tips for the Talks

  • Download our Tips for Talking about Sex Ed at Home
  • Keep it short & positive. Bite size! Goal: "I want to have this conversation again." 
  • Model curiosity: "I don't know, let's find out."
  • Answer questions as they arise. 
  • Answer the questions asked (check for understanding). Think age/stage/learning style.   
  • What's behind the question: "Am I normal?", "Will you judge me?", "Will I get in trouble?", curiosity, planning...  
  • Use media. Make age/stage appropriate resources freely available. Find books & media that reflect diversity of families, cultures, race, ability... 
  • Consent communication & LGBTQ inclusivity can be modeled at all ages and stages of development. 
  • Model positive approach to bodies (affirm a wide variety of body size, shape, abilities around children). Avoid body shaming/ body critique. 
  • Be direct about any safety concerns; avoid shame/judgment, explore harm reduction, keep lines of communication open. Affirm boundaries. 
  • Teamwork! Remind child of their team of safe & supportive adults. "If you're ever nervous to tell me something, or want another perspective, talk to ____."  
  • Maintain privacy (including in mandated reporter situations). Privacy vs. Secrecy. Think carefully about who needs to know what for safety/ be transparent with young person about who is being included.  
  • We don't learn math once, we need practice, the same applies to sexuality education topics! 

Parent/Young Person Talks

Health Provider/Trans Young Person Talks

We are so grateful for our healthcare providers, so many of whom are working to make their services more equitable for LGBTQ patients. Conversations about sexual health and pleasure are a key part of preventative care and sexual well-being. Despite patient demand for sexual health discussions with their healthcare providers, physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals often lack the information and skills to initiate and facilitate these conversations, especially with transgender adolescents. Transgender folks face increased barriers when attempting to access health care. This series of five videos showcase open and affirming conversations between health providers and young people 

HIV/AIDS and PrEP

Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation

Parenting Young People

Sexual Health Conversations with Sexpectations

Contact Us

For family sexuality education workshops or to sponsor future Never Fear Talks videos, contact Dawn Ravine at dravine@luriechildrens.org.

Don't forget to also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for resources to expand your knowledge!

Philanthropy

Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for adolescents and young adults. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500