Ep. 40 - This is So Awkward! Talking Sex, Drugs & Teens with Vanessa Kroll Bennett (Part 2)

Ep. 40 - This is So Awkward! Talking Sex, Drugs & Teens with Vanessa Kroll Bennett (Part 2)

Author: Local Moms Network May 27, 2025 Duration: 22:53
Trigger Warning: Adult TopicsMoms, raising kids takes courage and the tween & teen years make that clear really quickly. If conversations about drugs make you cringe and the thought of discussing sex has you delaying the conversation, today’s episode is for you. As Vanessa Kroll Bennett tells us, we can absolutely share with our kids just how nervous and uncomfortable we are! Vanessa is the co-author of a book and the co-host of a podcast called “That’s So Awkward!” Along with Dr. Cara Natterson, they teach parents how to handle the challenges of puberty. This episode-which is Part 2 of our far-reaching conversation-explains smart strategies to begin brief and effective conversations.Vanessa walks us through:* what fentanyl is and the strong boundaries we need to place around pills and powders* how Narcan is used to prevent possible overdoses* distinguishing between “where do babies come from?” and “the talk”* how to begin teaching consent at a young age* why anatomically correct names for body parts creates safety for childrenAnd if you missed Part 1 of our conversation with Vanessa, be sure to go back to Episode 39. You can find more wisdom from Vanessa @vanessakrollbennett and @less.awkward as well as lessawkward.comFind Demetra at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email demetra@thelocalmomsnetwork.com

Hosted by Demetra Ganias-a writer and mother of three who’s navigating the same daily realities-MomCast is a conversation from the trenches of modern parenting. This podcast, from the Local Moms Network, moves beyond simple tips to explore the nuanced, often unspoken layers of family life, culture, and society that shape our days. Demetra guides honest talks with both leading experts and fellow moms who get it, tackling questions about child development, personal identity, and the balancing act that rarely feels balanced. The dialogue here is less about perfect answers and more about shared understanding, offering perspectives that resonate whether you’re in the car line or stealing a quiet moment. It’s a space where the complexities of raising kids intersect with everything else, acknowledging that motherhood is as much about the world we’re preparing our children for as it is about the snack currently ground into the car seat. Tune in for a genuine, sometimes messy, but always connecting look at this defining chapter. You’ll find a sense of community in this podcast, a feeling that someone is putting words to your own experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more seen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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