Talking to Teens about Sex
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Talking to Teens about Sex
March 2010
Does anyone know of a good book about the changes a boy goes
through as puberty sets in? Seems there are dozens about
girls and what happens they approach menarche, but boys also
mature. When will their voices deepen? When will they grow
armpit hair? What kinds of emotional changes will hormones
cause for them? What kinds of social pressures loom for them
with all of these changes? How does one best parent through
the changes? Thank you! anon.
There is an Our Bodies, Ourselves book for teens that I got
my son (who is now 14). I liked it because it discussed
changes and issues for boys as well as girls. I think boys
should be educated on the changes girls go through as well.
As with girls, there is no set time frame for transitions.
In my son's age group, some kids still look like youngsters
and some are towering guys who already look like they are
midway through high school. Berkeley Mom of tween boy
Two great books:
It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris, illustrations by
Michael Emberley (for both genders)
and
'What's Happening to my Body?' Book for Boys, Lynda Madaras.
I got my now-thirteen-year-old son these books after I
realized he was surfing the net for information about sex
(he googled 'sex' -- guess what he got?). And he loves
these books. He keeps the Harris book at close hand all the
time. Both books espouse progressive (typical Bay Area)
attitudes toward sexuality, just so you know. It was
perfect for us. another mother of a growing boy
Look into 'It's Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing
Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health', by Robie H
Harris. It's frank, very informational, and unsilly, while
maintaining a sense of humor. anon.
May 2009
I would like recommendations for positive books, DVDs for teens who have all the basics
but now need more explicit sex ed. Much thanks.
concerned mom
I found several good books for my teen son. One is an Our Bodies,
Our Selves for teens. Very matter of fact and covers lots of ground.
The other is a black covered paperback called ''100 Questions You'd
Never Ask Your Parent'' by Elisabeth Henderson and Dr. Nancy
Armstrong. I thing he devoured most of it at the first sitting. It
has answers to questions about pot, alcohol, smoking, stds, slang
about sex, contraceptives, etc. all in age appropriate short
answers.
Health Educator Mom
I've been working with teens and parents for over 12 years. There are
a number of great resources out there, but I think I need to know more
about the age of your child and your own perspective on teenage
sexuality before I would hazard a recommendation.
Absent that, I would say that the most important resource your child
has is you. Parents forget (or don't know) that they are the most
important voice in the life of their child, even in the high school
years. Every study in the last decade confirms this. You still have
great influence. Don't abdicate your own voice too soon! Feel free to
email me offline if you're interested.
Erik
Our Bodies Ourselves is excellent. They put out both a teen version and a
larger, more
complete edition.
Brenda
Nov 2008
I am looking for a book to give my nephew about his body and
changes it goes through in puberty. He is almost 13, and
very interested in sex, I want him to have a resource that
is informative.
PreTeen Boy Auntie
I highly recommend 'It's Perfectly Normal' by Robie H.
Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley. It was
recommended to me as a resource by a friend who does
puberty education (aka 'sex ed'). The illustrations are
excellent, and the two characters - a bird (who wants to
know all about sex) and a bee (who is pretty embarrassed
by everything) are an informative hoot. Our now 13-year-
old son found it a good resource, and I'm not afraid to
leave it out where our six year old can read it, too. The
author does have a separate book for ages seven and up
titled 'It's So Amazing' but so far I haven't gone that
route since I've been able to answer the six year old's
questions.
Deborah
March 2006
hi everyone,
i was wondering if others had advice and recommendations for
resources on how to encourage a healthy perspective on sex
for a teenage boy. my son is 15 and has several times,
ordered porns online (they are blocked now) and we have
discussed the problems i have with many of the situations
the movies portray sex and the male/female relationships in
them. i'm pretty sure he doesn't get what i'm talking about.
mostly, i want to encourage him to develop a healthy
understanding of sex, but i'm at a loss as how to help him.
he has the our bodies/selves book and that's about it.
in both my experience and my partner's, we found out about
sex on the street, on the playground etc. and nobody helped
us - is this it? but these days they have so much more
access to sex - movies, pictures/online porn, extreme sex
etc. i don't know what to do to counter this deluge of
information (mis-information).
thanks for your help
Good Vibrations (on San Pablo) has a wide selection of
books about all aspects of sexuality, including those
oriented towards adolescents and teens. Plus, the staff
are knowledgeable about the books and can help steer you
towards the ones that can best answer your and your son's
needs. Good luck--you're doing a huge service for your
son and his future partners.
GV fan
I suggest going to the Good Vibrations bookstore on San
Pablo (hope they are still there!). They have a whole
section of books for children and teens about sexuality --
there is a lot more out there than the book you have. I
was in there a few years ago and found a great looking book
for my son -- he is now only 11 but the book looked so
great I bought it and have been keeping it to give to him
when he is a few years older (I think 15 was about right).
It has some humor but also addresses all subjects in a very
straightforward yet ''hip'' way. If I could remember where I
tucked it away I would get you the title, but I can't find
it. Hope I find it before he turns 15! In any case, you
will find something right for your child and yourself.
Planned Parenthood also has a whole seminar about talking
with teens about sex. Check out the SF or Shasta Diablo
affiliates. That's all I can offer at this point, not
having ''crossed that bridge'' yet with my own sons.
Share your concerns
Our family has tried to be proactive about discussing
different teen issues around sex, gender, and relationships
(and I believe a discussion about porn must include all
these topics), but it's been quite helpful to have both my
preteen daughter and teenage son also having these
conversations at both of the Unitarian Universalist
churches we've attended-- in Kensington and in Oakland.
The ''Our Whole Lives'' curriculum, used at various times in
the children's/youths' age span, gives them a chance to
have these discussions in a supported and respectful
environment with adults other than their parents, and with
age peers.
kd
To the Mom looking for healthy male teen sexual perspectives:
There is a wonderful book for teen aged boys by Howard
Schiffer available at www.heartfullovingpress.com that
addresses many aspects of sexual development/relationships
and is written with a lot of heart and practical advice.
You can read parts of it on the web before purchasing.
I have not found anything that comes close to this in terms
of straightforward sex talk that embodies the values we want
our boys to have.
Hope this is helpful.
Another concerned parent of a teen boy
Interesting responses to this post but for my son (14 yo)
they would have totally missed the boat. My experience is
that I can educate him, talk to him about all the issues
(including porn and its pros and cons) and he still wants
to see it. It is not an education issue, it is a hormonal
issue. Truthfully, mys son is a very sweet, sensitive kind
guy. I have no doubt he will treat his girlfriends well
when he decides to have one. So, as much flak as this will
get, I have to say I let him have Maxim magazine. Not
literary, he likes the pictures! He would like a Playboy
but I am not there yet. I spoke with a number of Dads who
are great guys who all said they looked at this stuff and
survived. They said, go ahead and get it for him. I am a
feminist and where I might wish he didnt want to look at
this stuff, he does want to.
I do believe that my son will be(and is) a great human
being. He treats women, kids, men and animals with respect
and love. I couldnt be a more proud mom (ask my friends).
Ok, hollar away!
anon
December 2006
I've always been very open with my daughter about sexual
information. But now that she's a pre-teen (11) and
menstruating, I'm alarmed that she seems to have forgotten much
of what we talked or read about a couple of years ago (''It's So
Amazing'' by Robbie Harris was helpful then). Whenever I try to
bring up the subject now, she cringes and says, ''Mom, I don't
want to talk about that!'' I know there are other books, but how
can I introduce a discussion or a new book when my daughter
seems so resistent and embarrassed? I don't want to wait till
she comes to me, in case she doesn't, nor to get information
from her peers. How do I strike a balance that says, I respect
your feelings, but here's information you really, really need to
know?
Want to Be More Open than My Own Mom Was
I also have an 11 yr old daughter who doesn't want to talk. I
just say, ''there are some things I need to tell you so I can give
you my perspective.'' Granted it's a (brief) lecture, not a
conversation, but I also end by asking if she has questions (not
yet!) and saying that she can always come talk to me.
I also got her the American Girl book ''Care and Keeping of You''
keep talking, even if it is one way for now
My son also did not want to talk to me about this topic, which is standard behavior for
a preteen. I bought a couple of books -- ''It's Perfectly Normal'' is one -- and left them
on his bed without making a big deal about it. There are many times when I walk into
his room to find these books open, as he has been seeking answers on his own. I have
made it clear to him that I am open to questions and discussion any time, and he has
asked a few questions, but he mostly pursues his independent study. I think that at
this age when they are finding their own way and intensely private, it is important to
respect that while at the same time letting them know that you are available as a
resource.
Anon
''Our Bodies, Our Selves'' comes in a kid/teen-friendly version that is very
informative and straight forward. If she keeps it in her bookshelf in her room then
she can sneak peeks at it when you are not looking and get useful information. A
woman friend gave that book to my daughter when she was around 11. I would also
just keep talking about things when they come up and even when they don't. My
theory is, if I just keep talking eventually something will sink in! And remember,
Condoms, condoms, condoms!!! Even though she's far from being sexualy active
you can still talk about safety. You can bring up AIDS in a way that's not talking
about sex at all, and slowly turn the conversation to other STDs, etc. I also stress
that sex is more than just a physical thing, it's a psychic thing and talk about how
that's not really covered in all the TV shows. They just focus on the physical. Just
keep talking!
mom of teen
I'd suggest giving your daughter a book that she can read on her own, if and when
she wants the information. My mother gave me ''Our Bodies, Ourselves'' when I got
my period and I never read the whole thing, but I did use it as a resource.
At Good Vibrations, there's a sex education section where you can browse and see if
you think they are appropriate. A good pre-teen/teen book for girls is ''Deal with It!
A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain and Life as a Gurl'' from the gurl.com
website.
Good luck!
anon
Nov 2006
My 9 year old is showing first early signs of puberty. Any
recommendations for accessible and sensible books on
puberty/development for her to read? Though she's showing
physical changes of development, she's not excited about
this new stage of life at all..
A mom who's not quite ready..
A friend with an older daughter recommended the book, ''The Care and
Keeping of You'' published by American Girl Magazine. I gave it to my
daughter at age 10. You can get it at the library first if you want to
check it out. It covers all kind of things about the body from taking care of
your hair to discussing the changes the body goes through, etc... It's very
matter of fact and not scary. She has been reading it at her own pace and
comfort level. Hope this helps
Martha
Try ''It's Perfectly Normal'' in paperback, can't remember the author
or publisher.
Appropriate for pre-teens. My daughter really enjoyed the panel
cartoons of the egg and sperm journeys
anon
Oct 2004
I am looking for the ''Our Bodies Ourselves'' equivalent for a 12
year old boy - any suggestions?
thanks
I've come across two books that might be helpful: What's Happening to my Body? A
Book for Boys (Lynda Madaras), and The Guy Book (by Mavis Jukes). Though not
exactly like Our Bodies, Ourselves, they were both really great. To give credit where
it's due: these were recommended to me by Margaret, the children's specialist at A
Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books in SF.
A Mom
At my library I recommend all three of these for boys on the
cusp of adolescence:
The what's happening to my body? book for boys : a growing-up
guide for parents and sons / Lynda Madaras, with Area Madaras
It's perfectly normal : a book about changing bodies, growing
up, sex and sexual health / Robie H. Harris ; illustrated by
Michael Emberley
What's going on down there? : answers to questions boys find
hard to ask / Karen Gravelle, with Nick and Chava Castro
-- Children's Librarian
''what's going on down there'' was great for my son at that age.
He was very (predictably) curious about all things related to his
body and sex and the book was very appropriate for his age. I
got the renewed our bodies book but will wait to give that to him
when he enters high school.
He said he never knew he could read 175 pages in a week! ha now
we know! he also said it clarified things he had heard about but
wasn't sure or had heard wrong information in there about.
It is fun, has cartoonish type pictures coupled with clear
information. i think i bought it on half.com for a good price too!
good luck!
here we go!
March 1999
My 11 year old son is at the age of curiosity about sex and girls. I am
a single mother and I am not sure at what age boys need to have a
serious talk about puberty and sex. He is not shy about asking me
questions but I hesitate in answering some inquiries. I am afraid my
son is growing too fast.
I am the mother of two sons 14 and 7. I understand your concerns about
your 11 year old. Around that time my older son discovered soft porn on
the Internet and pretty much made a part-time summer job of surfing the
sites until I checked in on him and cut him off. I was lucky to have a
husband to calm my fears of raising a sex maniac. He said it was normal
and had the technology been there he would have pulled the same stunt
around the same age. They worked out a solution of locked up soft porn
in a "mens" area. My part was to talk to him about girls being human
beings and the reality of "airbrushing" i.e. what he is seeing is NOT
real. I still try to jump on any gender bashing or the like. Your son
will probably grow up respecting women much more for having a single mom
who cares. I have the challenge of being the only representative of the
femalegender in my home when my growing up experience was in an all girl
home. So talk - talk honestly and ask for male help when it goes beyond
your comfort level. The important part is to keep communication open.
It proved true for us when my son got in too deep with an older teenager
- it was mom who he shared his concerns with. And the good news was he
had been listening all along.
You should be glad that your son is asking you instead of obtaining this
information from friends. Neither of my girls have asked me much about
sex. I believe you should answer all of his questions. He'll get the
information whether you tell him or not. This way you have control over
what you tell him.
If he's expressing curiosity about sex and girls, then the time to talk
is now. If you don't answer his questions, he'll look elsewhere for
answers. You can't keep him from being curious and slow down his growing
up, he'll just be misinformed. You want him to feel as comfortable as
possible coming to you for advice and information, and not pick up that
you're not comfortable with his growing up. This is your best hope of
influencing him. We really can't control our children's lives, and the
world around them, to the extent we might like to, we can only control
how well we handle our own interaction with them.
As a mother of two teenagers and a precocious 7-year old, my advice is
that it's not too early at all to answer your 11-year-old's questions
about puberty and sex. Some of the girls, at least, in his class at
school have undoubtedly begun puberty. Congratulate yourself on
raising a son who is not too shy to ask you these questions!
Answering his questions frankly will not, I think, cause him to grow
up too fast. The myths kids can learn from their peers if they are
not getting straight information elsewhere can be dangerous.
Regarding the 11-year-old boy and sex -- when I took my ten year old
for his check-up, his pediatrician (at Kaiser) suggested taking him to
a class called "growing up male" (there's a "growing up female" class
as well). It's a class for pre-teens and their parents that puts out
the sex/development information (from both the male and female point
of view) for kids in a straight-forward, educational manner. It's run
by Planned Parenthood, and given at Kaiser, for both members and
non-members. My husband just took our now almost 11 year old (there
were moms there with their boys) -- my husband said it was a really
good class, and my son didn't say it was awful, and he actually said
he learned something -- which for him is a pretty good endorsement.
You can get information about it by calling Kaiser's health ed dept,
or maybe by calling Planned Parenthood directly.
Good luck.
I'd like to put in a word for two books regarding sex that are written
for the teenage audience. One is Dr. Ruth Talks To Kids by Dr. Ruth
Westheimer (New York: Macmillan, 1993, 96 pgs). The sub-title is
"Where You Came From, How Your Body Changes, and What Sex Is All
About." I gave this book to my son when he was 10. (Remember those
"Now You Are 10" booklets for girls?) Now that he is a sophomore in
high school, his health class is reading Changing Bodies, Changing
Lives by Ruth Bell and other co-authors of "Our Bodies, Ourselves"
and "Ourselves and Our Children" (New York: Vintage Books, 1998, 254
pgs). I wish I could have had these two books on my shelves when I
was growing up.
-- Bonnie
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