Parents, it’s time. The moment you have been dreading, maybe even trying to avoid altogether: talking to your kids about sex. Let’s face it, kids are curious. They ask thousands of questions, their bodies are changing and they wanna know what the hell is going on.
Lucky for you, I’m here to lend a hand in opening the door for sex-positive conversations. Check out these books that you and your child can read together.
Lynda Madaras with Area Madares – Known author, Lynda Madaras (puberty & health education, etc.) writes about everything preteen and teen boys need to know about their changing bodies and feelings.
Michelle Hope - In The Girls’ Guide to Sex Education, award-winning youth sex education expert Michelle Hope offers down-to earth, supportive sex education guidance as she addresses the most pressing questions that girls have about sex, puberty, and relationships―directly and without judgment.
Joyce T. McFadden – Psychoanalyst Joyce McFadden provides narratives on how girls learn about sexuality from their mothers, what they need during those crucial adolescent times, based on an unprecedented study of 450 women.
Judy Norsigian – Co-Founder & Chair of OBOS board, Judy Norsigian pens the comprehensive guide to all aspects of women’s health and sexuality, including menopause, birth control, childbirth, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and general well-being.
I know this conversation can be awkward, so here’s a little parental primer to help you mentally prepare:
Dr. Lanae St.John — Sexologist and mom, also known as The MamaSutra, Dr. St.John uses the Five Building Blocks to a Healthy Sexuality to ensure children and adults of all ages have the best resources, support, and skills to make good decisions and grow into a happy and fulfilling sex life.
MORE RESOURCES:
If you need more support beyond books, there are also podcasts and videos you and your kid(s) can watch and listen to together:
SIX MINUTE SEX ED PODCAST
The Six Minute Sex Ed Podcast created by Sex Education teacher, Kim Cavill, helps people talk openly about sex, relationships, and growing up. This podcast is inclusive, informative, and sex positive sex education you always wanted. (Level one episodes cover the basics, Level Two episodes are more complex).
Check out the website www.teaandintimacy.com for more information.
AMAZE.ORG
Check out www.amaze.org for short animated videos that you can watch together and discuss on an array of sexual health topics. Join their email list at www.amaze.org/askableparent and/or follow their socials for more information and to stay updated on new content.
SEX POSITIVE FAMILIES
Sex Positive Families provides parents and caring adults with the education, resources, and support to raise sexually healthy children using a shame-free, comprehensive, and pleasure-positive approach.
They also host workshops for parents and tweens to participate in together, where they cover the basics of puberty for all bodies, genital anatomy for all bodies, and how to take care of bodies during puberty.
For more expert book recommendations, check out this list from Sex Positive Families: https://sexpositivefamilies.com/sex-positive-families-reading-list/.