Sex-ed for teenagers

[Maggie-Mae]

I hope no-one thinks this is an odd question, but can anyone recommend a good sex-ed book for teenagers.  Im a single mum of two boys (13 and 11) and although Im no prude and try to be as open as I can about sex, birth control, STD's etc there are some subjects I am a little uncomfortable about talking about with my sons.  Im also aware that as they dont see their dad, that they have no adult male to confide in and there may be times where they may find it uncomfortable to ask me certain things.  Thanks in advance

[thikasabrik]

I'm in the same boat as you and I asked my kid's school nurse for advice. She was fantastic and gave me a load of booklets - some for the boys to read and some for me to read. Try and contact her through your son's school or your local Community Health Dept.

[curiosity]

Hi I work with teenagers, we have a teacher specialist who does "Sex ED roadshows"in all schools from year 7 onwards covering sexual health, puberty, contraception, & relationships etc. A lot more than we got, because it deals with emotional aspects, peer pressure etc. I imagine your education authority must have one. I sympathise though, cos lots of girls magazines cover issues (albiet too much sometimes!) She has lots of booklets that are standard education authority stuff.

[goobles117]

Last year my Year 9 Health teach reccomemded that we read "Secret Men's Business - Manhood: The Big Gig" - written by John Marsden. I took his advice and did. It covers most of what your concerned about, and more. In general, it's just a book about the changes from boy to man, and all the pressures assotiated with it (Drugs, peer pressure ect..). You might be able to find it on Amazon or something like that...

[baggins]

I have a Dorling Kindersley book,endorsed by the family planning association. It is called  How Sex Works. It is a clear, comprehensive guide to growing up physically,emotionally and sexually. It is written by Elizabeth Fenwick and Richard Walker, and covers a variety of subjects ( Understanding your body, Relationships and emotions, what happens during sex, contraception,pregnancy and becoming a parent, sex and health, problem areas and many other subjects) Hope this is of some help.

[dahnajeen]

The Life Cycle Library.  It's a little dated (written before AIDS) unless they've updated it.  My mother bought these books for me when I was 11 and they were invaluable to me.  I never had to ask an embarassing question.  If I wanted to know something, I just looked it up in the privacy of my room.  It is a four volume set, covering just about everything, how a girl becomes a woman, how a boy becomes a man, how babies happen, etc.  The fourth volume is a glossary of terms.