Dishing intimate details about your sex life with mom and dad

I have two confessions. One that I sometimes watch MTV. I can't get enough of the reality shows that sensationalize sexuality. It's part of my job as a sex expert to be able to deconstruct these shows and comment on them at times. The second...well, read on.

The other night while channel surfing, I came across the show Sex: with mom and dad. Perhaps you've seen it. It was in previews giving us all a sneak peak before the premiere on September 29th. And now for the confession...I auditioned for this show. I'm sure a lot of experts auditioned. Funny to think Dr. Drew was the chosen one. The show definitely gets families confessing and talking. It does so with Dr. Drew's intervention in a therapy type setting, assigning homework for the teen and parents to complete together. I specifically remember talking to the producer about homework assignments and how research shows this is effective. Perhaps I helped shape the segment. But, from what I've seen so far, these assignments get them talking about who they have had sex with and how many times--both the teens and the parents. This isn't my idea of success. Talking yes, focusing on the intimate details, not so much. No doubt, this shock value will cause ratings to soar.

Buckle Up: A Scandalous 90210 Season Ahead

Home last Tuesday night, I decided to watch the new 90210. I remember watching the original when Donna was still a virgin, and the cast dealt with the trials and tribulations of being a teen. This time around, from the beginning of the season, the characters face the same angst...10-fold.

Naomi Clark, the rich daddy's little girl, receives a brand new Mercedes when her dad needs to cancel their trip to Vegas because he has too much work to do. Later that night, she decides to bring her dad dinner at the office only to find him outside the building making out with someone other than her mother. In tears, Naomi goes to meet her friends for solace.

The next day she decides to tell her mom and learns from her that the mistress's name is Gayle. With a straight face and a slight smile, Mrs. Clark tells Naomi she's known about Gayle for the past two years. The taboo admission: Mrs. Clark happily accepts the situation so she can enjoy the lavish lifestyle her husband provides. Is this the new teachable moment?!?! Did you ever think you would need to talk with your kids about these types of relationships? Hold on as we see what the rest of the season has in store.

Sex Ed: A Hot Topic in '08 Presidential Election

Watching CNN on Labor Day, two topics dominate the screen: Gustav and the Republican National Convention. And, then Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter surfaces bringing sex ed front and center. Gearing up for the election, I have decided to finally post all the recent data on the topic. This will be an ongoing list as old data is uncovered and new data is released.


Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy, March 2008

Emerging Answers 2007: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Systematic Review of Abstinence-Plus HIV Prevention Programs in High-Income Countries

Impacts of the Heritage Keepers ® Life Skills Education Component

Sexual abstinence only programmes to prevent HIV infection in high income countries: systematic review

Impacts of Four Title V, Section 510 Abstinence Education Programs

Condoms:

Association Between Condom Use at Sexual Debut and Subsequent Sexual Trajectories: A Longitudinal Study Using Biomarkers