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Crystal Renee and Kandi Burruss broke barriers in one of society’s difficult topics. In a recent episode of Renee’s “Keep It Positive Sweetie” podcast, the two women tackled the traditionally taboo topic of sex education within African American and Christian households and advocated for parents and kids to start talking about it earlier and more openly.
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It goes without saying that it got real. From the very beginning, Renee really straight-up acknowledged the obvious when she stated, “Sex is such a taboo subject in African-American households – particularly the Christian ones.” She then proceeded to ask a question probably relatable to many members of her audience, “Do you remember when you had that conversation with your parents?”
More modern and real-life practical approaches are brought out by this subject from their podcast episode. Kandi Burruss asserts: “You need to have those conversations with your kids way younger than you expect.” But when? Burruss is very blunt while answering: “By middle school, you should have already had that conversation.” She herself stated the truth of it: “These kids in middle school have a sex, okay? They have a sex or either their friends have a sex. They are talking about sex, especially on the internet immediately. They are here showing each other stuff on the internet.”
Both women agree that parents cannot be a passive outlet of information for their kids through their peer groups. Renee supported this by saying, “I was finding out things through my friends… You don’t want their friend to be the one that tells them about sex.” The whole purpose of this idea is to form a safe space that lends itself to this sort of dialogue. Burruss elaborated that it needs to be ‘realistic’ when it comes to hormones and urges, stating, “But I do want my children to be able to come talk to me. And we can have open dialogue about it so they can one be healthy. But I also protect them and give them the other consequences that come along with it.” Renee wrapped up that segment by sharing her personal platform, saying she would be raising her kids “in the church under the foundation of Christ so they can know right from wrong at a very young age.”
Clearly, engaged in the strong conversation, listeners started flooding the comment section with their experiences and points of view. There was evident generational change visible in the discussion, with many promising to do things differently with their children.
Another user continued the conversation, admitting their experience: “wild because I never had that conversation I learned by reading & friends smh! Will definitely be having it with my kids though this was definitely a good episode!” The recurring theme was that people learned though indirect means.
Another comment, however, issued a very stern gaze at what reality is for kids on the streets. The commentator repeated, “My mama say these kids today starting to have sex at 9 … educate your kids.” This grave awareness added jabs to the urge for conveying Burruss and Renee talking points about starting the discussion at a very early age.
Some related their ways of modern parenting. One mom explained her system: “I had a conversation with my daughter at 6 grade. I wanted to be open with her because my mom wasn’t open with me. My sons… my husband handled that because only a man can tell a man.” The comment details a thoughtful approach to the unapproachable: a gender-conscious approach.
But without those talks during those formative years, those people did not get far in their adult years without a couple of tales. One came back familiar with the story: “no my mama wrote me a note when i was like 10-11 about the birds & the bees & i did not understand at all about it… just told me if you kiss you get pregnant so i was terrified. learned in middle/high school what was really going on & still never had talks with my mama about it. i just learned everything on my own.” This stands as a testament to how a lack of clear communication can allow misinformation and fear to fill the void.
Another user offers what hopefully becomes a more detailed outline as to what the “talk” should comprise: “The sex talk includes consent, body parts and boundaries your kid should know all that elementary.” The elaboration moves the conversation to topics concerning safety and bodily autonomy besides the very basic stuff.
A particularly brave and frank admission goes by a user: “Ion have that with mine I just showed up pregnant at 22😂 But I do talk to my boys and my daughter about it.” The humorous and sincere recollection perfectly illustrates that cause and effect of lack of early education and real-world implications, plus it speaks volumes about their commitment to breaking that cycle beforehand.
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The discussions that Crystal Renee and Kandi Burruss brought about really were important and really were necessary. By marrying personal faith with practical parenting, the two dislodge the silences of the past and empower an entire generation of parents to discuss sex education openly, honestly, and rationally instead of in fear and taboo. That strong response just proves that many had been hoping to engage in such a discussion. Crystal Renee has also shared powerful health wisdom on her platform, and her bold fashion statements in Paris showcase her vibrant personality.
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