When we think about addiction, we often imagine it as something that happens slowly over time. But the strategies Big Tobacco employs are carefully crafted to hook young people quickly. Modern vaping devices are not only highly addictive but are also ingeniously marketed to appeal to teens.

In fact, according to the Monitoring the Future study, vaping prevalence among U.S. adolescents remains alarmingly high. The study revealed the following:

• 12.1% of 8th graders, 18.9% of 10th graders, and 25.6% of 12th graders vaped in the past year.
• Near-daily vaping (20+ days in the past 30 days) was reported by 1.7% of 8th graders, 4.2% of 10th graders, and 7.8% of 12th graders.

Let’s take a closer look at the five levels of vaping addiction and how they work to keep users dependent.

1. Nicotine: The Brain’s Hijacker

Nicotine is the foundation of vaping addiction. But why is it so...

October has arrived, and with it comes Let’s Talk Month—a perfect reminder to engage in important conversations with your kids. As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to approach tough topics like relationships, sexual health, and growing up, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, the more you open up and talk to your children about these issues, the stronger the connection you’ll build with them.

Over my 20 years of working in sexual health education, I’ve seen firsthand how a lighthearted approach—using humor, fun activities, and storytelling—can make even the toughest subjects easier for parents and kids to navigate together. At The Talk Institute, I’ve developed courses designed to help parents create that bond, ensuring their children see them as approachable, which is key to building an ongoing, trusting relationship.

Why October is the Perfect Time to Start THE Talk

In today’s world, kids are exposed...

 As Halloween approaches, many parents are faced with a unique dilemma—how to navigate the world of “sexy” costumes that seem to pop-up in every store, even for kids. Suddenly, a fun holiday full of pumpkins, ghosts, and goblins becomes a more complex situation. This is a prime teachable moment to have an open and honest conversation with your child about what “sexy” means, and how they can love their bodies without feeling pressured to show it off.

Why This Conversation Matters

The word “sexy” is everywhere—in music, movies, advertisements, and even in Halloween costumes. It’s a word that’s often misunderstood, especially by kids. They might hear it and wonder, “What does that even mean?” Instead of avoiding the topic or brushing it off, use this curiosity to your advantage.

When we talk to our kids about the word “sexy,” we’re not just explaining a word. We’re teaching...

You know it's coming every month, yet somehow your period can still surprise you. Whether you're trying to track ovulation for pregnancy (or to avoid it) or simply want to get more in tune with your body, there are plenty of reasons to keep tabs on your monthly cycle. At the very least, it's a good way to make sure you're stocked up on period products—and maybe some snacks because those cravings are real.

And in today's tech-driven world, period tracker apps have become essential tools for many women, providing information on their menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall health. With so many alternatives available, picking the proper app might be difficult. This article will look at some of the best period tracker apps, highlighting their features, pricing, and what differentiates them, to help you choose the best fit for you or your child's needs.

Using one of the best period tracker apps can help you stay on top of things and even catch any potential health issues before...

I wanted to share something exciting with you all! I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT, the incredible mom of two and founder of Conscious Mommy, for a Zoom interview. We had such a fantastic conversation about sexual health, and I’m thrilled to share some of the highlights with you.

First off, if you’re not already following Conscious Mommy on Instagram, you need to fix that ASAP! You can find her here. She’s doing amazing work, helping parents navigate the challenges of raising kids in today’s world with grace, empathy, and a lot of wisdom.

During our Zoom interview, Bryana asked me some really thoughtful questions about sexual health—questions that I know a lot of parents out there are struggling with. We talked about everything from how to explain sex to kids in a simple, straightforward way to how important it is to praise your child’s questions (because, let’s be real, those questions...

I’m definitely the type who thrives on checklists, and when it comes to the back-to-school rush, my list game is strong. Beyond the usual suspects—school supplies, doctor’s appointments, and new shoes—there’s one list that I consider crucial: the conversations I need to have with my child before they step into the new school year.

Today my son entered kindergarten and as kids navigate their way through school, repetition is key; hearing important messages from different angles helps them really sink in. Although the conversations at 5 years old may be different than at 10 or 15, I definitely want to take advantage of this teachable moment. And no, I’m not talking about reminders to clean up their room or finish their homework. I’m talking about the stuff that supports their emotional well-being and mental health as they head back to school.

Here are the top 4 chats I’m prioritizing this week:

Empowering Them to Seek Advice...

Shopping for a First Bra: Turning Awkward Moments into Empowering Experiences

If you've ever found yourself scratching your head over terms like perimenopause and menopause, wondering what on earth is happening to your body, you're in the right place. It is time that I talk about the world of hormonal changes, hot flashes, and everything in between. So grab a cup and let's chat about the 'other change' together!

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause:

Picture this: Your body's hormones are throwing a wild party, and you're not entirely sure if you're invited. That's perimenopause for you—the prelude to menopause. It's like a hormonal rollercoaster where oestrogen levels decide to go on a joyride, leaving you feeling like you're on shaky ground.

Perimenopause typically starts in your 40s, but it can happen earlier or later for some people. You might notice irregular periods, mood swings, and those dreaded hot flashes making an appearance.

And then there's menopause, the grand finale where Aunt Flo takes a permanent vacation. Cue the hot...

In honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, that I missed last week , I wanted to blog about the importance of our relationship with food. 

Unlike drugs and alcohol where abstaining is the goal. You can't not eat. And every meal can be a battle for someone with an eating disorder. 

This has been more on my mind lately as this past month I have had several girls bring up their body image struggles during my Talk sex education classes. One child wrote in my question bag, 

This breaks my heart... We have to be talking to our kids much sooner than we think about their relationship with their bodies. 

When I was adjunct faculty at CSU Long Beach, I taught a course for three years on Women and Their Bodies and one of my favorite speakers was the OA panel that would share their stories. OA stands for Overeaters Anonymous, basically AA for eating disorders. One of the things they shared that stuck with me was this phrase, 

What's eating you? 

Behind most...

Hey there, parents!

You’ve probably heard about the dangers of vaping. But there’s a new trend among teens that’s causing alarm: Zyn.

These little nicotine pouches are getting some attention on social media with "zynfluencers" posting videos using the product and promoting them on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

But how popular are they? 

Teens are taking notice. About 1.5% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey. E-cigarettes (vaping) is still the most common form of of nicotine consumption for teens with more than 2.1 million youth currently using e-cigarettes (10% of high school students and 4.6% of middle school students, with more than 1 in 4 of those using e-cigs daily).

Nicotine pouch sales are booming in the United States, with Zyn leading the pack. Philip Morris International, Zyn's parent company, says it has seen...