Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids

“Let me tell ya ’bout the birds and the bees, and the flowers and the trees, and the moon up above, and a thing called “Love””…… So, have you had “The Talk” yet? My son, who is in 5th Grade this year, has been learning about “Puberty: The Wonder Years” at school.  As part of the curriculum, parents are encouraged to have their own conversations with their kids and even answer a few questions their prepubescents bring home from school.  Yay!

While I believe parents should have honest and open conversations about puberty and sex with their kids….sometimes handing your tween son or daughter a book is a heck of a lot easier (and less embarrassing) for all involved! 😉 So, I surveyed my mama tribe to see what books they were sharing with their kiddos and I thought I would share that list with you.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

The Care and Keeping of You 1 & 2

Part of the American Girl series on puberty, these books provide answers to questions about your girl’s changing body, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. Additionally, the companion book The Feelings Book: The Care & Keeping of Your Emotions will help them to understand their emotions, and deal with them in positive ways.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen and Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Teen

Written by the American Medical Association both books are filled with advice for teens to get ready for the changes they will experience during puberty. The books cover the kinds of physical and emotional changes teens can expect from their developing body. They also review the importance of eating the right foods and taking care of their body; the reproductive system inside and out and thinking about relationships and dealing with new feelings.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

The Boy’s Body Book

This bestselling book for ages nine and older explains everything boys need to know about growing up. It’s colorful and easy to read, covering topics like acne, shaving, braces, body hair, vocal changes and what the author refers to as “morning surprises.” The author understands her tween and teen audience (with headings like “What do these people want from me?”) and has included cartoon illustrations to go along with the humorous moments.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

It’s Perfectly Normal

It’s Perfectly Normal is the third book in a three-part series for ages 10 and up about changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. The first book, It’s Not The Stork (for ages 4 and up), is narrated by an adorable cartoon bird and bee as they learn about body parts and where babies come from. The second book, It’s So Amazing (for ages 7 and up), is about birth, families, love, homosexuality and more. It’s Perfectly Normal, the grand finale in the series, deals with issues that are more complicated: adoption, abortion, sexual abuse, masturbation, other types of sex, gender identity, miscarriage and HIV/AIDS. Due to the breadth of topics, the book has become somewhat controversial, but it’s popular: it has been translated into 30 languages for parents around the world to use.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

Period: A Girl’s Guide

The start of hormonal changes can be troubling, even traumatic, for young girls. Now fully revised and updated with a parents’ guide, Period explains in a straightforward manner the changes all girls go through, answers common questions, and includes a brief description of a pelvic exam. The authors emphasize the positive (e.g., “Being comfortable with your own body is important”) and use diagrams to familiarize readers with the inner workings of their bodies, including what happens during menstruation.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

The Body Book for Boys

Published by Scholastic, this book includes quizzes, a question-and-answer section and plenty of factual tips. The funky fonts and graphics make it fun to read. The book outlines five stages—starting at age 10 and younger—and continues up until age 17. Get ready: this book doesn’t shy away from hot topics like smelly feet and bad breath, on top of everything else related to puberty.

Books to Help You Discuss the “Birds & the Bees” with Your Kids – dsm4kids.com

What’s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys and Book for Girls

Everything preteen and teens need to know about their changing bodies and feelings.  Both books provide sensitive straight talk on: the body’s changing size and shape; the growth spurt; the reproductive organs; body hair; diet and exercise; romantic and sexual feelings; and puberty in the opposite sex. They also have an introduction for parents and a helpful resource section. For kids ages 10 and up.

 

 

Are there any books about puberty that you would recommend?  Come on, share the wealth, and let us know!!!