Talking to your kids about sex

There have been quite a few books released recently about the sexualization of young girls. For example, see this interview/advertisement for "So Sexy So Soon" which gives teasers about topics such as how the "sexualization of childhood affects boys, as well as girls, negatively." The authors basically answer each interview question with "read our book...we couldn't possibly summarize our answers." The authors say parents should make age-appropriate rules for clothing and makeup, and start talking to their kids about sex as soon as possible. Instead of having one awkward talk, have hundreds of small talks that are incorporated into everyday life.

If you think that books for your kids would help open the door to conversation, here are some recommendations.

"God's Design for Sex: The Story of Me" is for ages 0-3 according to Focus on the Family, but read the reviews at Amazon where several parents say the content is probably better for ages 5-9.

The next book in that series is "God's Design for Sex: Before I Was Born", and Focus on the Family recommends this for ages 4-7. Again, read the parent reviews and see if this book is better for a slightly older child (8-10 perhaps).

The next book in that series is "What's the Big Deal? Why God Cares About Sex" and is for tweens, ages 8-12.

The final book in this series is "Facing the Facts- The Truth About Sex and You" and is for ages 11-14.

Either read those books with your kids and talk along the way, or read them before giving them to your kids and make sure to ask them questions about what they read.

Books for you, the parent, are also available:

Raising Your Kids to be Sexually Pure

A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex

How To Talk to Your Kids About Sexuality

Teaching True Love to a Sex-at-13 Generation