6 tips for using sexual health themed books with your child
Using books can jump start conversations with your child.
Read the book before sharing it with your child. Understand what content is there.
Especially with younger child, reading the book together may be the way to go. This will allow you to filter information, give alternate language and answer immediate questions as you read.
Feel the freedom to read parts of a book together at one point and leave other parts for later. There may be parts you want to leave out altogether.
If you give your child a book, HAND it to them. Please don’t just leave it for them to randomly find. You want to communicate your comfort and availability in being their primary source of sex education.
Follow up so that you can answer questions and initiate discussion. Even if they do not come to you and ask--YOU initiate follow up conversation.
No book is perfect. No parent is perfect. We are not trying for perfect. Our goal is to do the very best we can to give the right information at the right time.
Learn more:
Letter to parents
Conversations starters for parenting partners
My child is starting sex ed at school. Send help!
Why Sex-Ed Really Matters
Mother/Daughter Interview
Less Shame. More Sex Ed
Childhood sexual abuse prevention: 2 tools for parents
There are some stark differences in the sexual lives of modern teenagers and young adults. Parents need to know about this sexual landscape in order to help their kids navigate it.
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This book by Dr. Holly Richmond, PhD, is a compassionate sex positive guide for your healing journey into pleasure after sexual trauma.
When parents of teens and young adults ask me what I recommend they read to grasp some understanding of the sexual culture of today, Peggy Orenstein’s books: Girls & Sex and Boys & Sex top my list.
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“The Body Is Not An Apology” discusses the many ways body shame is absorbed and becomes inherited. It offers both an invitation and a toolkit to dismantle that shame, and replace it with radical self-love.
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