Check out the NEW website

Beyond Birds and Bees has a new home.  Please visit!  All the same content is over there now, plus there's a new video and a mini-book for sale! 
Find everything here.

Research shows...

"It's more important to create the kind of relationship with your child where they feel comfortable coming to you for information, support, and guidance than it is to make sure they can get the right answers on a 20 question test about sexuality."

I say this all the time. It's about the relationship, NOT about having a perfect answer or a single smooth explanation to where babies come from. !

I know this from having read it from different sources many, many different times over the years, but my brain doesn't tend to hold on to details like "sources." (sigh) I say "research has found" without any way to, um, prove that research has found. However, as part of my goal of making a little Beyond Birds and Bees booklet, I'm getting my ducks in a row.

Here's a link that lists a ton of research that does indeed show that relationship and positive ongoing communication is the most important part. Click here.

Beyond Birds and Bees Workshop 2011

Beyond Birds & Bees Parent Workshop

~Everything a parent needs to teach healthy sexuality to their kids~

February 8 & 15, 2011

It’s never too early to think about talking with your kids about sex—because the earlier you start, the easier—and more effective—the conversations will be.

This workshop will cover:

• Age-appropriate 'Sex Ed.'
• Normal Sexual Behaviors, from birth to pre-adolescence
• Red Flag Behaviors: when to worry and what to do
• What's an "askable parent", and how to be one
• Typical questions kids ask, and how to answer them!

This is a fun, relaxed workshop filled with great information. Not only does the workshop include presentation and discussion--but you'll be amazed how much you'll learn and discover from the practice conversations and activities. Additionally, there is plenty of time built in for Q & A. Katie is a licensed therapist specializing in children & families, so bring your questions!

When:
This class will meet on 2 consecutive Tuesdays: February 8 & 15, 2011, from 7-8:30pm.

To register:

Click here for online registration, or you can mail a check if you prefer. Class size is limited, so register early.

Cost: $65 per person if you register prior to January 30th. ($70 after)

Feel free to email or call with any questions. Email: beyondbirdsandbees AT gmail DOT com Phone: 940-4477

Reviews:
Click here to read reviews from parents who've taken BBB before.

Recommended Books about Puberty

If you have a child who is nearing puberty, here are 2 book recommendations specifically for you.

Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Dr. Gail Saltz, is about 30 pages long, and illustrated with cartoon-style illustrations. It briefly addresses: puberty, boy genital names & pubertal changes, girl genitals and pubertal changes, erections, menstruation, hair growth, sexual intercourse, fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. It very, very briefly mentions masturbation and hints at sexual abuse (at almost the same time--saying that it's normal to touch your own body but that you shouldn't let anyone else do so.) All in all, a good run-down of the basics, especially if you are shopping for a daughter. A more detailed review of this book is here.


It's So Amazing by Robie Harris & Michael Emberley is my favorite book for puberty information, particularly if the child already knows some information and is now ready for more depth. The authors do a great job of covering a wide variety of topics, and do so with respect, pragmatism, and openness.



And for parents, I recommend From Diapers to Dating. It's a reference source and guide for all sorts of information about children and sexuality and development. The author is a minister, interestingly, and does address how to share your family values about sexuality with your kids as well.



There are many other good books, but these are my favorites. Happy Reading!

Video--How to Talk to your Young Child about Sex

I recently made a short instructional video called "How to talk to your young child about sex." It covers a small sample of the information I present in the Beyond Birds & Bees workshop. It's only 14 minutes long, and you can purchase it for just $1.99 from this website: www.mindbites.com.

Here's a preview:



Update: This post was originally posted in September '08, but I've had several requests for this video, so I'm moving this post up to the top--for easier locating... Check it out here!