Talking to Your Kids About Sex: A Go Parents! Guide

by Lauri Berkenkamp, Steven C. Atkins, Charlie Woglom (Illustrations)

This commonsense, practical guide to talking to children about sex provides ways to launch conversations following some of the most common kid comments and What’s That Thing? I’m Going to Marry Mommy. Sex Is When You Kiss. I Don’t Want to Talk About It. From teaching toddlers about body parts to important discussions with adolescents, this resource encourages parents to understand what children of particular ages and developmental levels are ready to know, what they should know, and how to tell them. Real-life questions and answers encourage parents to prepare for their talks and make discussions easier. Moreover, ideas for discussing this sensitive subject with a sense of humor help take away some of the awkwardness—for both children and parents.

Genres: Parenting

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Holli Keel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing amazing here; but I did find useful information. It mostly helped me get the courage to do it. Do I wish I had started much younger with my kid? Yes. But at least I finally started.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and brought up a lot of valid points. Not the best book I have read on the topic but it is simple and has a point. Start the talk when they are toddlers and then there will never be that shocking moment for them, or the doubtful moment for you. Just make sure you assert your beliefs and morals as this book was pretty open to interpretation.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have said, this book is very basic and there is nothing particularly new here, but the approach is very non-threatening for parents who may be nervous talking to kids about sex. I appreciated the way that the book is broken down into age brackets and what is best for what age group. This is a very quick and easy guide, which isn't going to get into some of the deeper and more complex questions, but does provide you with some tools to get the conversation started.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid advise, even for being almost 20 years old. It’s written very sensitively about matters that parents might struggle to address. Having said that, some language about sex vs. gender needs to be updated, and an updated version should also include information about gender-queer / transgender questions.

[Kostis Paraskevas · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the positives: simple, easy to read with examples from real life question.

However, it's nothing special and there are better options out there if you neds more info/guidance on the subject. Overall it's worth a read as an intro to the subject.

[JaNel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty basic stuff. It's really not that hard to talk to your kids about sex. You start when they're young--about 4, beore they think it's gross or have lots of misinformation, reading a comprehensive picture book, like, It's So Amazing. Do this twice a year until they're eight. Then do it once a year and, six months later, read (or have them read on their own and discuss with them later) any puberty book. This way they get the real information in a formatted way, but you can add your own stuff in with or without discussion (depending on your child's disposition). Do this sex (or sometimes alternate with drugs and alcohol information) education twice a year. Always starting with one basic text and building with a more in-depth and age appropriate book for the second yearly session. Piece of cake.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guide to the basics. Quick and easy read - great for busy parents looking for a quick reminder of what to say when.

This is a solidly good guide to the basics. When I first read it, I thought it was a good quick and easy read for busy parents. Now that I've read other books on the same topic, I appreciate this one even more! It's a super quick read, it's concise and to the point, it gives concrete examples, and it's not super repetitive.

[Meleofa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the information.