Discussions about sex education books for children
There has been so much unhealthy press lately about children’s books about sex; whether or not they are age-appropriate, where they should be sold or even whether or not they should be banned from certain countries, libraries, shops and schools.
Whatever you believe, statistically our children are reading less and less, and that’s sad because books about sexual health topics are incredibly important.
So, I thought that I’d have a quick reminisce about why I just love sex education books and why they are so important. I’ve been collecting them for years and have over 300 of them on my bookshelf and website.
Here are some reasons why sex education books are important.
Sex education books can open up conversations and therefore strengthen relationships and encourage connection.
Reading books can create opportunities for your child to connect with you by bringing up conversations about certain topics that you may never have talked about before or want to talk about.
This in turn can encourage ongoing chats. Books answer questions and books create questions. You can then be the ‘go to’ askable shame free parent or caregiver that your child needs and deserves.
A great example is "No more secrets". Click here to learn more about this book.
Sex education books can give us all more knowledge and educate us.
Books can help you know what to say, as well as how to say it. They inform you as parent/caregiver as much as they teach and inform your child.
Books can prepare children for healthy relationships, help them to make wise choices and be safe.
Also many sex education books often have a section at the end that’s for parents, caregivers and educators, providing further information and questions to ask your children.
"parents' guide to Child Protection Education" is such a book. Click here to learn more about this book.
Sex education books can be read over and over again.
New things can be learnt, which is the beauty of a good book. You can always refer back to books again if a tricky topic or question comes up that you may need guidance about.
For example: "The parent's guide to explaining sex". Click here to learn more about this book.
Sex education books for children provide other perspectives.
Different perspectives are important for our children to know about so they can think critically and form their own values and opinions. It is impossible to bubblewrap our children and nor should we.
Ignorance is not innocence and books can give children new ways to think in the context of our own family’s beliefs and values even if they are different from ours.
A great example is the book "Two Dads". Click here to learn more about this book.
Sex education books provide opportunities to add your own values, beliefs and faith if you have one.
Books can also help kids to find out their own values and beliefs about sex. Even if you don’t agree with something that the book talks about, you can tell your child why you don’t.
Understanding the beliefs and values of others also provides an opportunity to learn to respect others (even if you do not agree with them) which is essential in a world of diversity and difference.
"Growing up God's Way is such a title. Click here to learn more about this book.
Sex education books sometimes are a great way to avoid embarrassment.
You or your child may feel embarrassed talking about a certain topic so a book can provide information that you want them to know. Sometimes you may even feel embarrassed about a certain page in the book but you can skip that page and revisit it again at another time.
For example: "YONI MAGIC: Creating Life". Click here to read more about this book.
Sex education books are often very funny
So have fun and laugh together, as this can break down barriers and open up some great and very lively conversations.
If you're looking for inspiration, check out Where Willy Went..." by clicking here.
Sex education books empower our kids to be empathetic.
Books can help kids think critically understand that everyone is different and therefore be empathetic. They can also help us to understand what others are going through and how to respect them.
For example: Empathy by Jayneen Sanders. Click here to read more about this book. Or click here to find more books by Jayneen Sanders.
Sex education books help us to understand ourselves, and those around us.
Books strengthen our self-confidence and help us to understand our identity - why we are, who we are, where we came from, and who we are growing up to become.
Books also help us to understand the effect that being a sexual being can have on us and our world, thus informing many of our choices and life decisions.
For example: "Bodies are cool". Click here to read the book summary.
Books provide the opportunity to share cultural experiences.
I have a period book that explains what different cultures do to celebrate when they get their first period. Books also inform us about diversity for example different body shapes, sizes and families.
"Cycling to Grandma's House" is a great example of such a book. Click here to read more about this book.
Next Step
Final Words
As we know, every child is an individual, and like adults, they too have their own set of unique circumstances so ‘age appropriate’ can differ depending on many aspects, and it’s hard anyway to find one that suits exactly what you want your children to know at different stages in their lives.
Never underestimate the power of a good sex education books. So, go on … buy a sex education book, or head to your local library to borrow something new. You can create many new and wonderful conversations with your child if you do.
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My interactive courses about puberty and reproduction:
This interactive course is about our bodies, how babies are made and more. It is ideal for both parents/carers to do together with their pre-teens but can also be completed by a child on their own. There are two separate courses for children aged 7-9 years or 9-12 years.
Click on one of the buttons below to purchase the course for only AUD $49:
What’s the Big Deal About Puberty is my interactive online course about puberty.
This puberty course is ideal for both parents/carers to do together with their pre-teens aged 9-12 years. This can also be completed by your child on their own.
Click below to buy the course for only AUD $69.
