What do you think?
Growing Up by the Book
Puberty—it’s an exciting time. You’re not a child, but you’re not an adult either. Renowned sex therapist and educator Patricia Weerakoon answers the most common questions kids aged 10-14 have about puberty, sex and relationships.
- GenresFaithNonfiction
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
About the author
Patricia Weerakoon
13 books14 followersDr Patricia Weerakoon is a medical doctor turned sexologist and author. She is an evangelical Christian and is married to Vasantha. Her son, Kamal, is a Presbyterian minister.
Her writing and speaking brings together her enthusiasm for sex and her love for the glory of God.
As a sexologist, Dr Weerakoon has used practical sex education, sex research and sex therapy to bring good, holistic sexual health. Her Christian framework for sex therapy has enriched and empowered the sex lives of many couples.
Dr Weerakoon has a recognised media presence, and is a highly regarded public speaker and social commentator in sexuality and sexual health.
Her writing and speaking brings together her enthusiasm for sex and her love for the glory of God.
As a sexologist, Dr Weerakoon has used practical sex education, sex research and sex therapy to bring good, holistic sexual health. Her Christian framework for sex therapy has enriched and empowered the sex lives of many couples.
Dr Weerakoon has a recognised media presence, and is a highly regarded public speaker and social commentator in sexuality and sexual health.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 6, 2014
With Growing Up by the Book Dr Patricia Weerakoon has once again authored a thorough, positive, loving and completely no-nonsense guide on human sexuality. This time her target audience is pubescent boys and girls (aged 10-14). Weerakoon brilliantly teaches children what to expect as their bodies mature, explains what is going on in their brains (physiologically), and their hearts (emotionally). Then, she ever so gently encourages them to grow to be the master of brain, body and emotions — with the help of the Creator of human physiology and sexuality.
Subjects tackled cover everything a child in a sexualised, self-obsessed, media-saturated culture is likely to encounter, and be left wondering about. In every instance she guides kids back to the principals of the God who loves them. For the most part Weerakoon has also taken great pains to encourage children to reach out to their parents on their journey to adulthood, or where this is not possible, church leaders or professional counsellors.
Creating a book on the topic of sex that will be appropriate for every child aged 10 to 14 is, of course, impossible. Thus, my one concern with Growing Up by the Book is that, while I know many 10 year olds who desperately need this book to interpret the jungle of images, messages and boundary-less relationships around them — I know more 10 years olds for whom some (only a little) of the information in this book would be damaging if thrown at them out of the blue. In fact, I have known 14 year olds who were not ready to learn about anal sex, Brazilian waxes or oral sex. For children who are fortunate enough to still have their innocence intact, the kind of ‘shock-arousal’ response that might be created, could very well damage their brains in the same way pornography itself is famous for. This could then start a fascination for information on the perverse that might have been avoided if this information had come later. I would have liked to have seen the author/publisher take more pains to warn parents of this, and encourage them to read the book themselves first and then selectively to their children, if needed — particularly the younger ones.
However, with that type of selective approach (where needed) this book is overflowing with gems of wisdom, and blessings of encouragement. I absolutely love it, and it is, in fact, now my favourite of Dr Weerakoon’s books published through fervr. Sexology, which according to some researchers has been increasingly ‘pornified’ in the last couple of decades, is a famously difficult field in which to be a Christian. I consider Australia blessed to have this Godly woman shining a spotlight on both our wayward culture and the beauty and wonder of God-led sexuality.
Subjects tackled cover everything a child in a sexualised, self-obsessed, media-saturated culture is likely to encounter, and be left wondering about. In every instance she guides kids back to the principals of the God who loves them. For the most part Weerakoon has also taken great pains to encourage children to reach out to their parents on their journey to adulthood, or where this is not possible, church leaders or professional counsellors.
Creating a book on the topic of sex that will be appropriate for every child aged 10 to 14 is, of course, impossible. Thus, my one concern with Growing Up by the Book is that, while I know many 10 year olds who desperately need this book to interpret the jungle of images, messages and boundary-less relationships around them — I know more 10 years olds for whom some (only a little) of the information in this book would be damaging if thrown at them out of the blue. In fact, I have known 14 year olds who were not ready to learn about anal sex, Brazilian waxes or oral sex. For children who are fortunate enough to still have their innocence intact, the kind of ‘shock-arousal’ response that might be created, could very well damage their brains in the same way pornography itself is famous for. This could then start a fascination for information on the perverse that might have been avoided if this information had come later. I would have liked to have seen the author/publisher take more pains to warn parents of this, and encourage them to read the book themselves first and then selectively to their children, if needed — particularly the younger ones.
However, with that type of selective approach (where needed) this book is overflowing with gems of wisdom, and blessings of encouragement. I absolutely love it, and it is, in fact, now my favourite of Dr Weerakoon’s books published through fervr. Sexology, which according to some researchers has been increasingly ‘pornified’ in the last couple of decades, is a famously difficult field in which to be a Christian. I consider Australia blessed to have this Godly woman shining a spotlight on both our wayward culture and the beauty and wonder of God-led sexuality.
September 30, 2014
Many parents find it very difficult to teach their children about sex. In some families there has been a lack of Godly teaching from generation to generation. All children are bombarded with sexual images and are sexualized from their earliest years – much earlier than their parents and grandparents were. Is it possible to give our children a Godly view of sex?
Dr. Patricia Weerakoon is a Christian and a sex educator and her latest offering Growing Up by the Book is designed to show pre-teens to fourteen year olds the difference between girls and boys bodies. She names correctly each of our body parts and functions and encourages youngsters to do the same. Both parents should read, study and discuss this book together before giving it to their child to read. The book is divided is to sections such as “Ask Mum and Dad”, “Alerts” or “Think Spots”.
Dr. Weerakoon gives God’s perspective on the sacredness of sex as different from that which they hear in the playground.
Growing Up by the Book is an excellent help for Christian parents to guide their children towards sexual maturity. I only wish this book was around when my own adult children were much younger. I cannot see how the book could be improved. Part of me says the kids she targets are too young to know this stuff but I know I am wrong! They're hearing false stuff and seeing it all around them. The information is so needed and it's done without shame or guilt for the children. Naked body drawings are done so naturally – this is the way God made you. DS
Dr. Patricia Weerakoon is a Christian and a sex educator and her latest offering Growing Up by the Book is designed to show pre-teens to fourteen year olds the difference between girls and boys bodies. She names correctly each of our body parts and functions and encourages youngsters to do the same. Both parents should read, study and discuss this book together before giving it to their child to read. The book is divided is to sections such as “Ask Mum and Dad”, “Alerts” or “Think Spots”.
Dr. Weerakoon gives God’s perspective on the sacredness of sex as different from that which they hear in the playground.
Growing Up by the Book is an excellent help for Christian parents to guide their children towards sexual maturity. I only wish this book was around when my own adult children were much younger. I cannot see how the book could be improved. Part of me says the kids she targets are too young to know this stuff but I know I am wrong! They're hearing false stuff and seeing it all around them. The information is so needed and it's done without shame or guilt for the children. Naked body drawings are done so naturally – this is the way God made you. DS
February 28, 2015
A great, matter-of-fact book for every Christian parent & their tween. I bought it after hearing Dr Weerakoon speak. Her no-nonsense Christian approach to sexuality appealed to me & the book is a great read for children starting to think about those issues. Contains great little sections/suggestions of things the kids should ask their parents. Is very frank and may cover 1 or 2 topics you weren't planning on addressing just yet - but the reality is our kids are bing exposed to more & more & better to have the discussion with you rather than just their friends. Now to the actual talking about it...
February 19, 2023
Discovered Dr Weerakoon on Calmversations with Benjamin Boyce. She was a wonderfully spirited older Christian sexologist talking about age appropriate sex ed.
She mentions her books at the end of the interview.
As an adult who grew up during purity culture I really appreciate Dr Weerakoon’s openness. She writes of the suddenness of desire and how it comes and goes. There are a few phrases that might trigger reactions for parent readers, like modesty and purity, but it’s quite brief. For modesty she does mention the multiple meanings and speak to consider how we [all] dress and why. I did wish she might have said purity isn’t about just not engaging in sexual activity until marriage, but how you live in general following God, including within marriage or if living a celibate life.
This book is quite short and seems like a good reference for young teens/older children succinctly discussing puberty, how bodies look and behave as they change, and defining terms so kids know what’s what when they may hear jokes or references at school on on tv, etc.
Other topics I’m glad she mentions:
Goodness of close friendships
Developing self-control
She mentions her books at the end of the interview.
As an adult who grew up during purity culture I really appreciate Dr Weerakoon’s openness. She writes of the suddenness of desire and how it comes and goes. There are a few phrases that might trigger reactions for parent readers, like modesty and purity, but it’s quite brief. For modesty she does mention the multiple meanings and speak to consider how we [all] dress and why. I did wish she might have said purity isn’t about just not engaging in sexual activity until marriage, but how you live in general following God, including within marriage or if living a celibate life.
This book is quite short and seems like a good reference for young teens/older children succinctly discussing puberty, how bodies look and behave as they change, and defining terms so kids know what’s what when they may hear jokes or references at school on on tv, etc.
Other topics I’m glad she mentions:
Goodness of close friendships
Developing self-control
November 20, 2024
Good book on the topic of sex with an objective, Christian stand point. I like how it guides children and teenagers with frequent Biblical references.
However, I wonder if the recommendation of usage for 10-14 years is sufficient with younger kids being increasingly susceptible to sexually inappropriate messages and resources nowadays. Perhaps eight- or nine-year-olds would also find this book helpful with parental guidance?
However, I wonder if the recommendation of usage for 10-14 years is sufficient with younger kids being increasingly susceptible to sexually inappropriate messages and resources nowadays. Perhaps eight- or nine-year-olds would also find this book helpful with parental guidance?
July 17, 2016
Excellent. Very helpful and clear
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews