Book Review: From Diapers To Dating: A Parent’s Guide To Raising Sexually Healthy Children, by Debra W. Haffner
If you’re having problems talking to your kids about sex, I recommend this book. I admit, I checked it out of the library by mistake. I didn’t notice that it was about sex until I got home (the second part of the title is written in smaller letters under the main title). I thought it was a general parenting advice book. Since I had it anyway, I decided to read it. After all, at some point I will have to talk to Tyler about sex (or maybe I will get his father to do it!).
The book is organized by developmental age and addresses sexuality issues you may encounter during each stage, from birth through age 12.
The infant and toddler stage (birth to age 2), covers topics including: teaching the body parts, genital exploration and gender role.
The preschool years (ages 2 to 5), talks more about genital touching and teaching the body parts. It also covers playing “doctor”, bath time and answering questions about where babies come from.
The early elementary school years ( ages 5 to 8), covers such topics as masturbation and talking to your kids about AIDS. For single parents, there’s a section on how to talk to your child about your own dating life.
The last stage, the upper elementary school years (ages 9 to 12), covers some heavy subjects like puberty, early and late bloomers, more on masturbation, “girlie” magazines (i.e. Playboy)and advice on what you should do if your child tells you that they “think” they are gay.
The book also lists additional sources of information including books, videos, websites, organizations and helplines. At the end of each chapter you will find values exercises. These are multiple choice questions that asks a parent what they would do in specific situations. For example:
What would you tell your 4-year-old son if he announced that he wanted to be a ballerina when he grows up?
What would you say if your 3-year-old daughter said she wished she had a penis?
What do you do when your 3-year-old daughter touches her genitals in public?
This is great resource for any parent looking for a guide to teaching their kids about sexuality. I highly recommend it.
See also:
What Is Age Appropriate Sexual Development In Early Childhood
Are Single Sex Classes The Solution?
Talking With Children About Sexuality