HOW TO TALK WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT SEXUALITY: A Parent's Guide

by Planned Parenthood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 15, 1986

The approach here is that sex education is an ongoing process from infancy to adulthood, and that its proper handling by parents will influence children's lifetime values and sexual attitudes. Older sex-advice guides told parents to wait for questions and not proffer information gratuitously. But recent studies have shown that children tend to clam up about sex in their eighth year or so. Up to that point there are typical questions they ask at various ages. These are listed here along with appropriate answers geared to the child's ability to understand. Since preadolescents should be prepared for the physical and emotional changes they will undergo during their own sexual maturation, there is a host of ideas on how to introduce discussions on these changes. The subjects covered include menstruation, breast development, involuntary erections, nocturnal emissions, masturbation and sexual feelings. Recognizing that contraception is a touchy and highly controversial subject, the book provides a variety of ways the subject can be discussed without appearing to give the green light to sexual activity. In sum: sensible, no-holds-barred advice on a ticklish subject.

Pub Date: Aug. 15, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION