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Parent Forum – Bookshelf

Recommended Parenting Books

''How to Talk With Teens About Love, Relationships, & S-E-X: A Guide for Parents'' by Amy G. Miron, Charles D. Miron, Ph.D.

How to Talk With Teens About Love, Relationships, & S-E-X: A Guide for Parents
by Amy G. Miron, Charles D. Miron, Ph.D.

I spend a lot of my time talking to teens about love, relationships and sex. That’s why I was very eager to read this book. And I’m very glad I did. The next time I get an email from a parent who feels it’s about time to have “the talk” with their son or daughter and would like a book to guide them, this book will be recommended. The Mirons, a husband and wife team of sex educators and certified sex therapists, have co-written a thoughtful, well-organized volume that covers most of the common topics for discussion and several you might not have thought of on your own. It also contains eye-opening facts from a teen sexuality survey and “Try this” assignments for parents and teens. As the authors wisely point out, “the talk” is actually a series of talks. And those conversations aren’t just about sex and how to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STIs — sexually transmitted infections.

As the authors wisely point out, “the talk” [with your kids about sex] is actually a series of talks.

They’ve provided the framework for parent-child discussions about sexuality... that’s right, everything that falls into the category of sexual behavior. There’s the obvious information about male and female reproductive systems, but also the equally vital information about masturbation, sexual orientation, and even sexual pleasure. Feeling a bit uncomfortable picturing yourself talking to your tweens about orgasms? Understandable, but this guide will help tremendously to put you at ease.

There are two main themes running through all of this material: a) the more comfortable you are talking with your teens about sexuality the more likely they will come to you as their #1 source of information. And b) the authors’ conversation prompts encourage you to focus on your values rather than their take on what’s right or wrong when it comes to sexual behavior. When your teen or tween views you as a safe person to come to and he/she is crystal clear about your values, he/she will be better able to make informed decisions. And since you’re not going to be with them when they’re at those choice points, that’s your best bet for helping them do the right thing.

More Recommended Parenting Books »

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