Let’s Talk Month

I grew up in a family of huggers. At our large family reunions, everyone was so happy to see each other. Sometimes, the hugs were so heartfelt that tears of joy would follow. Being around five or six years old, I found it a bit strange because, unlike my cousins, I had to ask permission before hugging relatives. I remember feeling confused and asking my dad why. His response stuck with me: “You wouldn’t walk up to a stranger and just hug them, right? Or pet a dog without the owner’s permission? So why would it be okay to hug someone, even if you know them, without asking first? What if they don’t want to be hugged?”

At that time, my young mind couldn’t fully grasp it, but my parents were teaching me about consent in a way that I could understand. It was age and developmentally appropriate. They instilled in me the importance of respecting personal boundaries long before I understood the broader concept.

This lesson ties directly into one of the many topics highlighted in October during “Let’s Talk Month,” which emphasizes the importance of open conversations about sex between young people and trusted adults. Research shows that most children prefer to learn about sex from their parents, yet many parents feel uncomfortable having these discussions. To help bridge this gap, parents need support, encouragement, and resources to facilitate these critical conversations. As part of this awareness campaign, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa will be promoting our “Talk” bingo game throughout October, aiming to make sexual health discussions less taboo and to start having conversations.

My dauber is ready,