Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children About Sex and Character

by Pepper Schwartz, Dominic Cappello

Everyone agrees parents must talk to their children about sex, but the questions always How do I start? What should I cover? Ten Talks offers advice on exactly how to begin and what to say--not just about sex, but about safety, character, peer pressure, ethics, meeting people on the internet, and mixed messages from TV. Ten Talks is based on innovative and proven approaches that the authors are using in parent workshops across the country. The talks can be adapted for all kinds of families and offer immeasurable rewards, strengthening the relationships of parents and children. This innovative and illustrated book helps prepare kids for the complex world of relationships, sex, and growing up.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Psychology

399 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2000

Reviews

[Jennifer]

Great resource. Looking forward to utilizing more as my children grow!

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read on giving your kids "the talk". I really like this book for a few reasons.

1. It breaks "the talk" up into 10 smaller talks which:
a. Prevent information overload for your child
b. Let your child know that this isn't a "one time" discussion, that this is something that we will continue to talk about, especially as my kids get older.

2. It doesn't just go over anatomy and physiology, it talks about having good character.

3. It encourages parents to discover what their family and religious values regarding the subject are and to teach that to their children. It doesn't tell me that I need to believe the same way they do.

I will be purchasing this book.

[Sean Sexton · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise of this book is sound--that you should talk to your kids about family values, relationships and sex. But the ideas presented would fit a magazine article than a full book. The authors take some basic ideas about how to have a talk with your kids and repeat these ideas verbatim throughout ten chapters, covering ten different possible talks you could have with your kids. This makes for a huge amount of repetition in the book that adds absolutely no value. The entire content of the book could have easily fit into 1,000 words rather than a full book.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good conversation starters, but I hate that they kids drive the conversation and not the parents. Parents have so much knowledge to impart to kids! This is a perfect chance!

[Libbydale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I've already had a talk or two with my six year old on topics listed in this book, and it is amazing what I learned! It's never too early. I still look at him as so innocent, and he is, but I've been enlightened by things he's picking up from friends or observing at school! I've never seen a book like this. It's well-written and outlines everything for you to use as is or customize for age appropriateness. It's given me a lot of food for thought and some subject ideas to breech with my son! If we don't do our jobs as parents in these more delicate areas of life, I don't know who will!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it weird that this is the best book I've ever read? This book has great suggestions for discussions between parents & kids about sex. It's geared towards parents of kids who already understand the biology part of sex, but there are useful tips for younger kids. (Example: teach kids about healthy relationships by discussing what makes a good friend. Or teach them that they can say no to someone pulling their hair because it's their body, etc.) Great stuff for any parent!

[Kandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom is a great voice for having the tough conversations, continually, with your children. Plus, he's my friend.

[Munira · Rating 3 out of 5]

for parents who are scared about approaching the topic...this is a good step by step approach to ease into the conversation.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an informative book. Really good suggestions for no-stress talks.