Interview with Dr. Elsa Friis: How Parents Can Tackle Taboo Topics Without Breaking Connection

Are you avoiding talking to your kids about topics that are just...awkward? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Elsa Friis, clinical psychologist and VP of Product at Alongside, to unpack a practical way to tackle taboo topics (sex, porn, consent, screens) without burning the bridge you’re trying to build.

Dr. Friis takes us from a group home with twelve boys to community-led parenting programs in Kenya, showing how cultural humility changes results. Warmth, respect, and safety are universal, but a mismatch in how love is shown fuels conflict. We dig into concrete tools: visual schedules that calm bedtime battles, shared calendars that grow autonomy, and “ice cream chats” that make awkward feel doable. We outline scripts for starting the sex conversation early, framing online exposure without shame, and setting boundaries that still invite honesty.

We also explore how technology can extend, not replace, human care. Alongside for Families uses an AI wellness coach to help parents and youth practice tough conversations, build study plans, and share the right info at the right time. Teens get a private space with clear safety rails; parents receive high-level summaries and immediate alerts for risks like self-harm.

Resources: Dr. Friis is giving Little Helpers a free 30 days to Alongside with the discount code FRIEND30! Try it here: https://www.alongside.care/family

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1376854/su...

If you're navigating someone's mental health or emotional issues, https://kulamind.com/. In KulaMind, we'll help you set healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself, and support your loved one.

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For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfreinds.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Elsa Friis and Her Work
02:00 Journey into Family Work and Parenting
04:28 Cultural Insights on Parenting in Kenya
07:09 Communication Styles Across Cultures
09:38 Challenges of Modern Parenting
12:11 Proactive Parenting Strategies
14:41 Navigating Conversations About Puberty and Sex
17:14 Creating Open Dialogues with Kids
19:39 The Role of Alongside in Parenting Support
22:42 Interactive Therapy Tools for Families
25:18 Navigating Teen Communication
27:49 Addressing Sensitive Topics with Care
30:06 Defining Harm and Safety in Conversations
33:55 Handling Taboo Topics and Privacy
38:21 Empowering Families Through Communication
43:20 Leveraging Technology for Support