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!
Showing posts with label BBB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBB. Show all posts
Friday, February 20, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Reviews of Beyond Birds & Bees
Reviews of Beyond Birds & Bees
Parents who attended the Beyond Birds & Bees Workshop in the past had this to say:
"I walked into Katie's class knowing I'd learn a thing or two and walked out with cornerstone information that every parent should know. After completing the class, as if on cue, my kids did everything Katie said they'd do. Although I had never been down this road before, Katie gave me a map and a plan for getting through this part of parenting. So, when I heard my son and his friend giggling in the bathroom, I knew what to expect and how to respond appropriately." (Louise, mother of a 4 and 6 year old.)
"It helped me reflect on what was not discussed when I was growing up and how that affected me. I came away from the workshop ready to educate my son the way that I want to, rather than just letting him learn from peers or in health class." (Judy, mother of a 3 year old.)
"Since our kids are still small, I wasn't sure how this workshop would apply to us. But with all the conversations that started during my first child's potty-training, I realize this is the perfect time for us to create a family climate that welcomes questions and promotes open dialog." (Amy, mother of a 3 and 5 year old.)
"I learned so much from the workshop that I can't wait to take it again when my daughter gets a little older. It really boosts a parent's confidence to learn from a professional how to talk about sexuality with your kids! I now know how to answer questions that I would have stumbled over before. Thanks, Katie!" (Shelly, mother of a 3 year old)
"I'll be honest. There are about 10,000 things I'd rather do than read parenting books. I've done it, but only when I feel compelled. I care deeply about my role as a father, but just the thought of self-help makes me think of 12-step programs and situational narcolepsy. That's probably immature, but that's how I react. Anyway, this class offers a completely different experience. Other parents are there in a relaxed atmosphere sharing experiences, and Katie, an expert in child development, structures the discussion, ensuring that we cover all the essential topics. Even better, you practice responding to those questions or situations that come from left field and cause lots of uhh-ms, or the lame "that's a good question for your mother." It has already helped me respond wisely to my kids when they ask questions or do the things curious kids naturally do, so I definitely recommend it." (RT, father of 2)
“I think that every parent would get something from this.” (Jason, father to 2)
“So helpful & thought-provoking”
“Excellent presenter with great information”
“information is very clear… easy to take home and use!”
“No matter what your child’s age is, you will take home something valuable out of this class.”
“Every parent should take this class”
“… fantastic job. The Q & A and role plays are great!”
“The info provided was stuff we could go home and apply.”
“Casual, comfortable, fun environment”
“Valuable for any parent or caregiver.”
“Great open forum Q & A sessions. Got me thinking about situations I need to be prepared for.”
“Coming from a very uncommunicative upbringing, this class helped tremendously with putting things into perspective.”
“Extremely interesting and helpful. Learned a new term—‘vulva.’”
“you used words & language that made a touchy subject much less intimidating to discuss.”
“Loved it. Very thought and conversation-provoking.”
“It was too fun! We loved it!”
“I thought 3 hours would be too long, but we could’ve talked all evening!”
“Wonderful!”
“Loved your style of teaching & your class content.”
“Very good class, handled tough questions well.”
“Excellent presentation. Class was very informative and exciting!”
“Role-playing games were great!”
“Great class—very open and straightforward.”
“The situations and role-playing were very helpful. The topic is so very helpful just to talk about. You are very comfortable to listen to. Thank you for having this class available.”
“You are the best presenter I’ve listened to!”
Parents who attended the Beyond Birds & Bees Workshop in the past had this to say:
"I walked into Katie's class knowing I'd learn a thing or two and walked out with cornerstone information that every parent should know. After completing the class, as if on cue, my kids did everything Katie said they'd do. Although I had never been down this road before, Katie gave me a map and a plan for getting through this part of parenting. So, when I heard my son and his friend giggling in the bathroom, I knew what to expect and how to respond appropriately." (Louise, mother of a 4 and 6 year old.)
"It helped me reflect on what was not discussed when I was growing up and how that affected me. I came away from the workshop ready to educate my son the way that I want to, rather than just letting him learn from peers or in health class." (Judy, mother of a 3 year old.)
"Since our kids are still small, I wasn't sure how this workshop would apply to us. But with all the conversations that started during my first child's potty-training, I realize this is the perfect time for us to create a family climate that welcomes questions and promotes open dialog." (Amy, mother of a 3 and 5 year old.)
"I learned so much from the workshop that I can't wait to take it again when my daughter gets a little older. It really boosts a parent's confidence to learn from a professional how to talk about sexuality with your kids! I now know how to answer questions that I would have stumbled over before. Thanks, Katie!" (Shelly, mother of a 3 year old)
"I'll be honest. There are about 10,000 things I'd rather do than read parenting books. I've done it, but only when I feel compelled. I care deeply about my role as a father, but just the thought of self-help makes me think of 12-step programs and situational narcolepsy. That's probably immature, but that's how I react. Anyway, this class offers a completely different experience. Other parents are there in a relaxed atmosphere sharing experiences, and Katie, an expert in child development, structures the discussion, ensuring that we cover all the essential topics. Even better, you practice responding to those questions or situations that come from left field and cause lots of uhh-ms, or the lame "that's a good question for your mother." It has already helped me respond wisely to my kids when they ask questions or do the things curious kids naturally do, so I definitely recommend it." (RT, father of 2)
“I think that every parent would get something from this.” (Jason, father to 2)
“So helpful & thought-provoking”
“Excellent presenter with great information”
“information is very clear… easy to take home and use!”
“No matter what your child’s age is, you will take home something valuable out of this class.”
“Every parent should take this class”
“… fantastic job. The Q & A and role plays are great!”
“The info provided was stuff we could go home and apply.”
“Casual, comfortable, fun environment”
“Valuable for any parent or caregiver.”
“Great open forum Q & A sessions. Got me thinking about situations I need to be prepared for.”
“Coming from a very uncommunicative upbringing, this class helped tremendously with putting things into perspective.”
“Extremely interesting and helpful. Learned a new term—‘vulva.’”
“you used words & language that made a touchy subject much less intimidating to discuss.”
“Loved it. Very thought and conversation-provoking.”
“It was too fun! We loved it!”
“I thought 3 hours would be too long, but we could’ve talked all evening!”
“Wonderful!”
“Loved your style of teaching & your class content.”
“Very good class, handled tough questions well.”
“Excellent presentation. Class was very informative and exciting!”
“Role-playing games were great!”
“Great class—very open and straightforward.”
“The situations and role-playing were very helpful. The topic is so very helpful just to talk about. You are very comfortable to listen to. Thank you for having this class available.”
“You are the best presenter I’ve listened to!”
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Beyond Birds and Bees Workshops
Beyond Birds & Bees--for Fathers Only!
~Everything a DAD! needs to teach healthy sexuality to his kids~
(YES! This, finally, is the fathers-only BBB workshop!)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!
This class meets on 2 consecutive Mondays: December 1 & 8, from 7:30-9pm.
To register:
Click here for online registration, or you can mail a check if you prefer.
Cost: $65 per person.
Feel free to email or call with any questions. Email: beyondbirdsandbees AT gmail DOT com Phone: 940-4477
Update: a dad who took the BBB workshop in the past recently sent me this very nice recommendation for anyone considering the workshop... "I'll be honest. There are about 10,000 things I'd rather do than read parenting books. I've done it, but only when I feel compelled. I care deeply about my role as a father, but just the thought of self-help makes me think of 12-step programs and situational narcolepsy. That's probably immature, but that's how I react. Anyway, this class offers a completely different experience. Other parents are there in a relaxed atmosphere sharing experiences, and Katie, an expert in child development, structures the discussion, ensuring that we cover all the essential topics. Even better, you practice responding to those questions or situations that come from left field and cause lots of uhh-ms, or the lame "that's a good question for your mother." It has already helped me respond wisely to my kids when they ask questions or do the things curious kids naturally do, so I definitely recommend it."
Monday, August 18, 2008
Book Review: Changing You!
I recently happened upon the book Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality
by Dr. Gail Saltz. It's a book on sexuality that was published last year. In the Beyond Birds & Bees workshop I recommend that parents buy a book about sex for their kids every year or so, so I was pleased to find a new one to review.Changing You 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.
Here's what I liked about it:
- The target reader age of this book seems to be around 8-9, an age group that seems to be hard to write about sex to... everything seems to be too young or too old.
- The text of this book is great--direct, age-appropriate, and clear. There aren't too many words, either (my biggest complaint about "It's So Amazing").
- Happily the correct terminology for a woman's external genitalia is used. (That's "vulva," fyi.)
- Two notes to parents provide great information about talking with your child about sex.
- The photos and tone of the book overall are very positive.
- Nocturnal erections are only hinted at. Alongside a photo of a boy in bed with an erection under his sheets is the description: "Some mornings, it's not just the sun that rises..." I think we can do better than hints. Let's name names and give our sons (and daughters) at least the basic facts. Come to think of it, I'd of preferred a bit more teaching about what masturbation and sexual abuse are, too.
- When defining sexual intercourse, it says: "When a man and a woman love each other and decide that they want to have a child, they will do something called 'sexual intercourse' ". Welllllll, that isn't exactly true, is it? Last time I checked, people were having sex at times other than when they wanted to reproduce. Ahem.
- Some of the illustrations look a little weird, particularly the ones of the naked boy and girl, where body parts are named. Their bodies are virtually squares. Again, I think we can do better. A more realistic representation of a body is appropriate--no child will recognize themselves in a square.
- girls
- ages 8 or so,
- who are moderately interested in sexuality issues, and
- who are not asking lots of detailed questions yet.
- boys, as the illustrations have lots of hearts, flowers, and the color pink... not themes that traditionally appeal to boys. Plus, the data on erections/boy body changes just isn't sufficient.
- a child who has already started the puberty process, or one who is searching for details and in-depth information. The information is just too basic.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Recommended Books
In my workshops, I love to recommend books. I also frequently get emails asking for book recommendations--for both kids and parents. The most common request is for books about sex. If I had to pare down the options to just three, this is what I would choose. One is for little kids, one for older ones, and one book is for parents. For now, I'm going to just post the book photos/links up, but in later posts I will review each book individually.
What's the Big Secret is my recommendation for any age. I DO recommend that you make up your own words with the younger kids, but the pictures are appropriate for any age. Toddlers in the potty-training years especially find the page with the boy & girl peeing quite interesting.
It's So Amazing is my recommendation for an older child, one who already knows some information and is now ready for more depth.
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!
What's the Big Secret is my recommendation for any age. I DO recommend that you make up your own words with the younger kids, but the pictures are appropriate for any age. Toddlers in the potty-training years especially find the page with the boy & girl peeing quite interesting.
It's So Amazing is my recommendation for an older child, one who already knows some information and is now ready for more depth.
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!
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