How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex

by Justine Ang Fonte

There’s no denying it: Discussing sex and the private functions of the human body can make us uncomfortable. Part of being a parent or caregiver is having difficult conversations with your children to prepare them for a complex and confusing world. But at what age do we start talking to kids about sex? What information is appropriate at what time? How do we help our kids protect themselves without instilling unnecessary fear or confusion? How can we best prepare our children to protect themselves and understand how to take care of their bodies?

In the six lessons of How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, you will join sex and health educator Justine Ang Fonte as she guides you through a holistic approach to sex education for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. And this education isn’t just about having direct conversations or teaching lessons—it’s also about cultivating a safe space where children feel comfortable asking questions without judgement or shame. You will learn not only how to explain various topics concerning sex and the body, but also how to model the behaviors that will teach your kids more than you may even realize. Through discussion and creating an environment that encourages learning, you will be able to broach subjects like consent, boundaries, puberty, sexual identity, relationships, physical attraction, and self-care.

It is important to remember that sex and sexuality surround us, even if we don’t always notice. And our values, opinions, and behaviors in relation to them are constantly being witnessed and evaluated by young minds. They deserve to know the facts, to know how to ask for information, and to have the resources they need to take care of their bodies so they can be sexually healthy now and as they mature into adulthood.

4 pages, Audible Audio

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should literally be a prerequisite read for people before they have kids. I wish I had listened to this 17 years ago... But, hey, at least my youngest child will benefit from all of the knowledge and tools I just recently acquired!

Short and easy to listen to (only 3 hours long). Clear and concise information, broken down into age/development appropriate content. Inclusive language. Free on Audible.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic guide to comprehensive sex education that starts at home. I love that she discusses a wide variety of topics in an inclusive way and gives age-appropriate guides for each one. I wish there was a hard copy available because this is one I will definitely want to refer back to over and over again. Highly recommend this for any parent, educator, or caregiver of any child under the age of 18.

[Katie Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was eye opening, and really helped shine a light on where some of my weakness might be as a parent without being judgemental.

Pro: broke learning down by age group with realistic examples and provided additional resources.

Cons: could sometimes feel slightly preachy.

Overall I reccomend this to anyone with kids in your life, it was incredibly informative. Take what you need and leave what you don't.

[Kevin Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me very useful information and a helpful framework to guide my thinking on communicating about sex with my children. Wish I had it earlier, to be honest - but better late than never! It's a good, quick, clear read. Occasionally the author crosses from credible expert to strangely arrogant and pushy.

[Rohit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just awesome. The content is truly amazing and easy to use by all parents and professionals working with children. A must read for counsellors and educators who can bring change in the lives of children and can orient the parents to continue the same further at home and in life.

[Sidnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will be revisiting this a lot, I love how she broke it down by theme and then within theme, by age group, and the explanations are so straightforward and helpful in guiding conversations, would recommend to other parents for sure.

[Aaron Eichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hard to listen to. I am not looking forward to doing this talk with my kid, but I was i knew this stuff when I was younger.