Parents' Guide to

Sex...with Mom and Dad

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dr. Drew helps teens, parents open up about sex.

TV MTV Reality TV 2008
Sex...with Mom and Dad Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Alexander E.
Alexander E. Adult
July 28, 2019
age 18+

False advertising

How can people get away with calling their shoe "sex with Mom and Dad" and then have NO INCEST?!?

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
TBF
TBF Parent of 5, 7 and 13-year-old
June 13, 2009
age 15+

this was on jasons reading list

so i told him he ould read it when he sacrifices his wii
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In SEX... WITH MOM AND DAD, young adults and their parents learn to talk openly and honestly about sexual topics that are impacting their lives. Each episode spotlights a teen who's having trouble communicating with his or her parent(s) about sex-related issues. With the help of celebrity relationship expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, the family members participate in a series of unique challenges designed to help them build a stronger, more trusting relationship so they can talk about sex a bit more easily. These exercises also help them understand the potentially positive and negative consequences resulting from the way they think about -- and engage in -- sexual behavior.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Pinsky offers non-judgmental advice about how to think and talk about subjects like promiscuity, STDs, orgasms, and sexual addiction. He also offers information about sexual health, including the physical, emotional, and familial impact of certain sexual patterns (such as engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners). But while the show is designed to be educational, each 30-minute episode only scratches the surface of the complex psychological issues influencing some of the teens' decisions -- and their parents' ability to deal with them.

Meanwhile, the show includes lots of frank conversations about sexual topics, some of which can get a little crude. The dialogue might be shocking for some viewers (particularly when teens open up about their more destructive behavior), but it's all presented within the context of helping teens and their parents understand the consequences of their actions. Some younger teens may not be ready to handle the subject matter, but mature teens and their parents could learn a lot.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why sexual topics are often difficult or too "taboo" to talk about. Why are some people uncomfortable talking about sex?

  • Teens: How can you approach your parents to ask questions or address concerns you have about sex? Parents: What's the best way to approach these issues with your kids?

  • How does the media impact the way we think (and talk) about sex and sex-related topics?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: September 29, 2008
  • Cast: Drew Pinsky
  • Network: MTV
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 24, 2022

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