Almost every home in the U.S. has a TV — it’s just part of our daily lives. We all have favorite shows, maybe even a few. And guess what? TV shows are packed with storylines about sexuality, relationships, and health topics — from sex and pregnancy to drugs and alcohol. Watching TV with your kids can be a great way to open the door for honest conversations about these topics.

You can use what you see on screen to ask questions and get a sense of what your child thinks and how they might act if they were in the same situation. It’s also a chance to share your values, expectations, and hopes for them.

Step 1: Get to Know What They’re Watching

Start by finding out what shows your kids are into and pick a time to watch together when you’re not distracted. Instead of yes/no questions, ask open-ended ones that encourage a real conversation.

Pro tip: Before choosing what to watch, check out resources like Common Sense Media. They provide honest reviews of TV shows and movies, including co...