Back in the day ‘Where did I come from?’ by Peter Mayle was one of the only books about sex education for primary school children around. It was so hard to say the ‘s word’ let alone get to talking about sex with your child and even then, it was ‘the one-off talk’ and that was it! Over! Now, it’s very different and that’s a good thing.
Most parents still find it difficult, and that’s fair enough so do I. So that’s where books about sex education are important. A good book can help you open up positive, ongoing conversations and help you answer your child’s questions accurately and honestly.
There are so many wonderful books about sex education -it can be hard to choose. From toddler to teenage books which one do you pick? Well it can depend on age, comprehension, questions they ask and their reading level. Would they like to read a picture book, chapter book or a story? What are your faith or beliefs because this is important to include in your conversations.
Here are 10 books about sex education in order of recommended reading levels…
‘What Makes a Baby’ 3-7 years by Cory Silverberg
This is a book for every kind of family and every kind of kid and gives you the opportunity to tell the story of how your child was made.
‘Amazing You’ 4 - 7 years by Gail Saltz
This book is written with warmth, honesty and celebration.
‘What’s The Big Secret’ 4 - 7 years by Laurie Krasny Brown
The book gives the answers to kids' most common questions about the human body, reproduction, and development.
‘The Amazing True story how babies are made’ 5 -8 years by Fiona Katauskas
This is a funny book.
‘Where Willy Went’ 5 - 7 years by Nicholas Allan
This is another funny book about reproduction.
‘Let's Talk About the Birds and the Bees’ 5-10 years by Molly Potter
This is about the facts of life from how babies are made to puberty and healthy relationships.
‘It’s So Amazing’ 7-10 years by Robbie H Harris
This book talks about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families in a comic style format.
‘Let’s Talk About S-E-X’
For 9 to 12 years and their parents by Planned Parenthood Mar Monte is a chapter book.
‘Nonnie Talks About Sex and More’ 10-14 years by Alice M Burroughs and Mary Jo
Jo Podgurski is inclusive and honest.
‘Tell Me’ 8-88 years by Katharina Von Der Gathen
This book is what children really want to know about bodies, sex and emotions and is for parents and children to read together and answers real children’s questions.
Talking about sex is a ‘lifelong’ conversation and books about sex education can empower and equip you to be the ‘go to parent’ and that is just so important. What are your favourites?
For a closer look at these books and more go to: https://www.amazingme.com.au/topics/sex-including-reproduction/
