One thing many parents seem to dread is the talk. However, to be honest, I think the kids hate it more than we do. We are old enough to deal with our thoughts and feelings on the subject. Kids have to mature to know how to do that. However, if it’s time for the talk there are some tools out there to help.
Is it Time for the Talk?
Being a home school parent, I’m not sure when school’s nowadays start teaching about puberty. My son does follow a curriculum but they barely grazed it in fourth grade. When I was in school we had a mini, “just girls” talk in fourth grade, then again in sixth. Which led to sex ed in high school.
While it may be too early to be thinking about sex ed, puberty can happen at young ages. Many tweens are dealing with body hair and odors, periods, and more. So if you have a kid around nine years old, it may be time to start a to and fro discussion on puberty.
Have no fear, helpful books are here!
Recently I discovered some neat books that will not only open the door for healthy discussions, but it will break the ice, and help you teach your tween son or daughter what they need to know.
These nifty books are set up a bit like a graphic novel. Complete with facts and illustrations. The topics range from pubic hair, pimples, body odor and more. Both Girl Talk and Guy Talk have sections regarding Sexism, Gender Equality, Depression, Body Shaming, Bullying and more.
Choose what and when you teach
The books are set up perfectly for both parents and kids. Depending on what age you decide to start “the talk,” you can decided how much you will discuss. Both books cover the opposite sex, sexual education, and birth control. So whether you want to start slow, and just talk about your son or daughter’s body changes, or you just want to get it all out in the open, these books are what you need.
If you have a son or daughter that gets super uncomfortable at the mention of “the talk,” then just hand them one of these books. You know they have questions, so you know they’re going to read it. My son has issues controlling his emotions thanks to Autism and Bipolar Disorder, so instead of talking, he just reads his Guy Talk book. Then he will message his dad with questions he has. It works for us, and that’s all that matters.