So last night, I settled in for my weekly Sunday routine of watching Downton Abbey. If you have not discovered this series, it is on PBS. It’s part of Masterpiece and I think you can watch back episodes on demand or on Netflix. Do it.

Anyway, Soph (my 16 year old) and Louisa (my 13 year old) have watched with me on occasion. I would not say they are fans, but they have followed along well enough to know the basic storyline.

If you have not watched this week’s episode, please stop reading now because my story is also a bit of a spoiler. Okay?

So… in this week’s episode, the oldest daughter, Mary, has decided that she should have sex with her suitor, Lord Gillingham, before committing to marriage to make sure they are compatible. At that time, this would have been completely forbidden, so Mary has enlisted her lady’s maid, Anna, to coordinate everything. Included in this process, is the need for protection.

Mary brought out a book with a picture to show Anna, so that Anna could go purchase it. Anna, being married, would not be as scandalous as Mary, a widow.

They did not show the picture in the book. One of the girls asked, “What are they looking at?”

I said, “Either a diaphragm or a condom.” This was met with confused looks and questions.

“What’s a diaphragm?”

Thank you, Downton Abbey. From there, we had a pretty extensive conversation about all things prophylactic. They were both appalled to hear this from their MOM! God forbid!!! But I am actually grateful. I want my girls to know that they can talk to me about anything, and this episode certainly spurned such a conversation.

So, if you are looking for an opportunity to discuss these issues with your teenager, then it is time for you to watch Downton Abbey too!!!