Equipping generations for powerful conversations
Some conversations are tough to have, but it is often the most challenging dialogues which bring the greatest freedom and deepest connection. The heart of The Chat is to catalyze healthy, open, life-giving conversations around some of the big topics, such as sex, smart phones and social media in homes, schools and communities.
Birds, Bees and Destinies
Who we are
THE CHAT is a culture-shaping movement which exists to start conversations and impart accurate information around issues like sex, identity, social media and pornography. We believe that if these issues are left unaddressed they threaten to derail a generation.
The heart of THE CHAT is to empower parents to confidently tackle big topics with their kids in a natural, open manner which creates a safe space for on-going conversations. We also equip tweens and teens to make healthy, future-focused decisions around their sexuality, and to be wise digital users. Our passion is to help cultivate deep family connections and help raise a generation who are secure in who they are and where they are going.
THE CHAT was founded and is led by Christy Herselman, Christy has a background in journalism and teaching. She has written two books and currently divides her time between researching, writing, speaking and being a wife and mom. She lives in Umdloti with her husband Brad and her children Emily, Ryan and Blake.
Safe space.
Deep connection.
How It Started
THE CHAT was birthed in 2014 at a 7-year-old’s birthday party. During a mom chat, the question was asked, “Have you told your daughter about sex?” The question took us by surprise so Christy volunteered to do some research and report back. A few weeks later, the first session of THE CHAT took place in a lounge in Durban North. Since then we have journeyed with schools, churches, educators, children, teens and parents and the movement has grown exponentially and continues to gain momentum.
Talks & Workshops
We currently offer the following talks and workshops.
Christy holds her own public talks via Zoom and does closed talks for schools, community groups and other organizations. In addition she does private sessions with families or small groups. She also speaks often at public events, fundraisers and conferences.
Below are the details of her current most popular talks. However Christy often does tailored and targeted talks on specific topics such as TikTok, gender, pornography and building healthy connection.
For pricing, more information, bookings and tailored talks, please contact us
The Chat 101
Audience: Parents of kids aged 2-12
The Chat Continues
Audience: Parents of kids aged 9-16
#WellConnected Junior
Audience: Parents of kids aged 0-8
#wellconnected
Audience: Parents of kids aged 8-16
#wellconnected Schools
Audience: Grades 3 – 9
#wellconnected Families
Audience: Family or one-on-one
Sex, Selfies and Social Media
Audience: High School
Greater Than
Audience: High School
Bespoke Chats
Audience: Varied
For more detail on the content of each talk, please visit our Talks & Workshops page.
Future-focused decisions
Where we are going
Collaborations: We are continually building partnerships with like-minded professionals, schools, churches and organisations in order to resource schools and families by running workshops, assisting with curriculum development and training facilitators.
Books: Christy has published three books and is currently researching a book for teens on dating and healthy relationships.
Online talks: The online space is working brilliantly for us, enabling us to reach more parents in more countries. We have also seen an increase in the number of dads attending, which is something we have been pursuing for some time. We hold our own talks, which are open to the public, as well as talks booked and arranged by schools or community groups themselves.
Product development: We are continually researching and expanding our Chat offering to include other major issues threatening the emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical health of our young people. Currently Christy is developing content around the gender spectrum and the dangers of hook-up culture.