ABSTRACT

Many parents feel uncomfortable with the thought of having ‘the talk’ with their children, especially teenagers. But what many people don’t realise is how much of sexuality education has nothing to do with sex itself. 

In this book, Clinical Sexologist Anisa Varasteh teaches the foundations of a comprehensive sexuality education for children and teenagers and answers the most common questions young people have about sex and sexuality. Contrary to popular belief, talking about sex and sexuality does not make young people more prone to sexual experimentation. This book provides research-based evidence for how a comprehensive sexuality education is important for children’s safety, psychological and physical wellbeing. It identifies the barriers to having open conversations with children and teenagers, and outlines methods for how to overcome them. With a focus on skills, the book addresses the building blocks of sexuality education and how to develop an environment of mutual trust, it outlines key topics for discussion and the skills that children need to develop to make healthy decisions about their sexuality. 

Complete with practical support, including over 20 worksheets and a comprehensive list of tough questions from teenagers – and suggestions for how to address them – this book is an essential resource for parents, carers and educators who are responsible for the health, safety and development of children and teenagers.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

part 1|43 pages

Foundations of sexuality education

chapter Chapter 2|21 pages

Why is talking about sex with children awkward?

chapter Chapter 3|6 pages

Foundations of sexuality education

part 2|92 pages

Sexual intelligence skills

chapter Chapter 5|43 pages

Emotional intelligence skills

chapter Chapter 6|4 pages

A strength-based approach

chapter Chapter 7|13 pages

Value-based decision-making

chapter Chapter 8|21 pages

Healthy boundaries

part 3|66 pages

Topics to talk about with children

chapter Chapter 9|16 pages

What topics to talk about?

chapter Chapter 10|3 pages

Provide a balanced and realistic view of sex

chapter Chapter 11|3 pages

Include pleasure in your conversation about sexuality

chapter Chapter 12|15 pages

Gender and sexual identity

chapter Chapter 13|5 pages

Body image

chapter Chapter 14|8 pages

Age-based tips for conversations

chapter Chapter 15|14 pages

Identifying and responding to sexual abuse in children