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Books About Oher Kinds of Families & Situations

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Books About Oher Kinds of Families & Situations

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"Families Change" A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights" by Julie Nelson
"Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas Not Mommies and Daddies" by Gayle Bryne
"Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs" by Susan Schaefer Bernardo

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"Kids Need To Be Safe" by Julie Nelson
"Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care" by Jennifer Wilgocki & Marcia Kahn Wright
"Speranza's Sweater" by Marcy Pusey

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Books About Children Whose Parents Are Divorced Or Separated

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Books About Children Whose Parents Are Divorced Or Separated

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"Living with Mom and Living with Dad" by Melanie Wals
"Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child's Affirmation of love in the Midst of Divorce" by Tamara Schmitz
"Two Homes" by Claire Masurel

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"Love Is a Family" by Roma Downey
"Two Is Enough" by Janna Matthies

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"My Family, Your Family" by Lisa Bullard
"The Great Big Book of Families" by Mary Hoffman
"Who's in My Family? All About Our Families" by Robie Harris

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"And Tango Makes Three" By Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
"Heather Has Two Mommies" by Leslea Newman
"Stella Brings the Family" by Miriam Schiffer

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" All About Adoption: How Families Are Made and How Kids Feel About It" by Marc Nemiroff
"Happy Adoption Day" by John McCutcheon
"My New Mom and Me" by Renata Galindo
"Wonderful You: An Adoption Story"

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Health and Wholeness in the Midst of COVID-19

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Resources for Talking with Children about COVID-19

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Talking with kids about the coronavirus can be hard. Here are some resources

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To Tide You Over. A Bibliography.
Sexuality and Consent Education during Covid-Times.

Preface:
I don't believe that is appropriate or safe, comprehensive, or as confidential as is my standard to provide online Our Whole Lives or Awesomely Awkward sexuality education classes. My classes have been cancelled, and unlike math and social studies, not moved online. (More later about why) But that doesn't mean there isn't support! There is support!

I am providing coaching for parents who find themselves leaning heavily into the "primary" part of our common phrase "Parents are a child's primary sexuality educator." Feel free to reach out. (email me at justiceandpeaceconsulting AT gmail DOT com)

In addition to private coaching, I would like to offer this book list. It contains books that are useful for, or about, bodies, babies, communication, sexuality, gender, puberty, consent, and more for people of various ages. Parents will find it useful to read some of these books themselves (for instance, It's Perfectly Normal and Sex is a Funny Word) because they will provide parents with age and developmentally appropriate language for material parents know about but may not know how to say. As everything, this is a list in progress, more books and videos will be added, and brief annotations are forthcoming.

Support your local economy : I have not monetized this site and make no money from these recommendations, and so provide no links. Your favorite search engine will work for you. I do ask though that you support your local economy and purchase them from your local live bookstore (many are providing curbside delivery) or online at a private bookseller who is trying to keep their physical building open and employees employed during this difficult time.

A note about language. Many books use boy/male and girl/female as synonyms. I recommend that you use boy/girl when referencing the innate sense of what gender one is, and male/female when referencing body functions and changes.) Also note, different people need different things. These are very loosely categorized in terms of developmental level.
The Bare Naked Book by Kathy Stinson My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders The Family Book by Todd Parr What Makes A Baby by Cory Silverberg What's the Big Secret? by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown It's Not the Stork! by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle https://www.flamingorampant.com/ all the books from these folk Elementary It's so Amazing! By Robie H Harris and Michael Emberley Who Has What?: All About Girls' Bodies and Boy's Bodies. Robie H. Harris Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU by Cory Silverberg What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls by Valorie Schaefer, What's Going on Down There?: A Boy's Guide to Growing Up by Karen Gravelle
REMEMBER THIS IS STILL IN PROGRESS 5/5/20 CHECK BACK IN A WEEK FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST

Teens
Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up, Heather Corinna, and Isabella Rotman, How to Understand Your Gender. A practical guide for exploring who you are. Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker Sex: A Book for Teens An uncensored guide to your body, sex, and safety by Nikol Hasler S.E.X, second edition: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties by Heather Corinna Consent: The New Rules of Sex Education: Every Teen's Guide to Healthy Sexual Relationships, Jennifer Lang, MD Queer. a graphic history, Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele For parents Sex Ed Is In Session, Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski For goodness sex. Changing the way we talk to teens about sexuality, values, and health, Al Vernacchio Trans Kids and Teens, pride, joy, and families in transition. Elijah C. Nealy Everything You ever wanted to know about Trans* (but were afraid to ask) Brynn Tannehill Good Christian Sex. Why Chastity isn't the only option - and other things the Bible says about sex. Bromleigh McCleneghan Paul Joannides, Guide to Getting it On, 8th ed. Sexuality and Long-Term Care, by Gayle Appel Doll
Joan Price, Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex, Seal Press 2011. Moon, Susan, This is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha, Tara Brac Pema Chödrön. The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Lovingkindness, 2001. h Also available as an e-book. https://www.drmaryjopodgurski.com/sexedisinsession
For Older Adults who really wanted to start OWL ... a list of books for a book discussion group

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To Tide You Over. A Bibliography. Sexuality and Consent Education during Covid-Times. Preface: I don't believe that is appropriate or safe, comprehensive, or as confidential as is my standard to provide online Our Whole Lives or Awesomely Awkward sexuality education classes. My classes have been cancelled, and unlike math and social studies, not moved online.

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Great Conversations

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FOR PARENTS

Parent Talks

To schedule a talk - email us at: info@greatconversations.com

The Great Conversations' Team brings their wealth of experiences working with preteens and teens and families to parent groups through talks in schools and communities. We are happy to work with parent groups to meet the unique needs of your community and provide information on the latest research and strategies on parenting and caring for adolescents. To schedule a talk - email us at info@greatconversations.com

Mothers of Sons

October 8, 2020, 7pm
Wright Auditorium, Seattle Children's Hospital or will be facilitated online via ZOOM
Click HERE to register.

A parent talk just for mothers of sons facilitated by Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations. This parent talk gives moms a unique opportunity to explore their relationship with their son while answering some of the questions around their son's physical, emotional, social development.

Julie Metzger is the creator and founder of the ever popular Great Conversations programs focused on puberty, sexuality, and decision making for families of preteens for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco Bay Area. She co-authored the book for preteens, "Will Puberty Last My Whole Life: Real Answers to Real Questions Asked by Preteens on Body Changes, Sex, and Other Growing Up Stuff." and "This is Me - a Girl's Journal".

This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.

This talk is for parents and adults who support preteens ONLY (not with children).

Dads of Daughters

October 7, 2020, 7pm
Wright Auditorium, Seattle Children's Hospital or will be facilitated online via ZOOM.
Click HERE to register.

Dads! There is nothing quite like being a dad of a daughter. Becoming more aware of what your preteen/teen daughter is experiencing physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively will give you tools to support and communicate more confidently. Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations will bring the latest research and parenting ideas.
Julie Metzger is the creator and founder of the ever popular Great Conversations programs focused on puberty, sexuality, and decision making for families of preteens for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco Bay Area. She co-authored the book for preteens, "Will Puberty Last My Whole Life: Real Answers to Real Questions Asked by Preteens on Body Changes, Sex, and Other Growing Up Stuff." and "This is Me - a Girl's Journal".

This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.

This talk is for parents and adults who support preteens ONLY (not with children).

Talking to Your Kids about Growing Up: What Kids Want (and Need) to Know About Puberty, Sexuality and Healthy Relationships

Despite appearances, children want their parents to be their Number One resource for information on values, puberty and sex. This program is designed to help parents set the stage for open communication about the physical, social and emotional changes that accompany adolescence. Several strategies and ideas will be offered to assist parents in this endeavor.

How Big IS a Hormone? . . . And Other Important Questions on the Minds of Kids

Pre-teens and teens have a lot on their minds...how to survive the math test, the soccer game that afternoon, a friend's loyalty, parent expectations, fear of being teased, a teacher's comments...all while undergoing a complete body and brain transformation called puberty. This discussion will focus on the developmental stages of pre-teens, the questions and concerns that are on their minds, and strategies for the trusted adults who live and work alongside them.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll - and Other Things That Go Bump in the Night

As parents, it's difficult to know how to communicate with your child about potentially dangerous choices. What are the right questions to ask? What information do they need? How can you assess the risk and create a partnership of trust and respect? A discussion of ideas, facts, and strategies for parents.

Staying Close While Standing Back: The Art and Science of Parenting Adolescents

One of the greatest balancing acts parents face in today's world is knowing when to step forward to help and guide their children's lives and when to let their child make independent decisions and choices for themselves. These moments can be as simple as what they wear that day to a decision to not attend college. How do families work together in a partnership of trust and respect as children and parents encounter new experiences? What are specific ways we can encourage our children to be resilient, accountable, and inter-dependent people in a fast-changing world?

The Young and the Restless: The Social Lives of our Children

It can be challenging in the moment to know how to help our children communicate effectively and build healthy relationships. These moments can be as simple as not getting invited to a birthday party or being teased at recess. This talk includes a review of latest research on social dynamics of children and strategies for kids and parents.

Great Conversations Between Parents and Teens: Top Ten Talks to Have Together

For parents of middle school and high school students - important conversations to consider having with teens to promote understanding, build a base of trust and partnership.

Great Conversations between Parents and Kids: Top Ten Talks to Have Together

For parents of elementary aged children - important conversations to consider having with your child to promote understanding, build a base of trust and partnership.

In the Mirror: How Our Children See Themselves

In a national study of children ages 8-10, half of the girls reported being unhappy with their size and nearly 40% of 4th graders have been on an occasional 'diet.' Peers provide input, media images are influential, but when asked, most children from toddler through teen years see their parents as their primary source of information about their bodies. How do we as parents respond when our children worry about "being fat" or "not pretty enough" or "being small?" What messages can we share with our children so that they can see themselves as the unique and wonderful beings that they are? Discussion on body image for children of all ages.

From Barbie to Bieber: Parenting Growing Girls

The years between eight and sixteen bring amazing changes to girls' bodies, emotions and minds - changes that can leave a parent's head spinning. They may be moody, wildly social, acutely self-conscious, all in the same afternoon! What happened to the easygoing kid you knew just a short while ago? Spend an evening with veteran parent educator Julie Metzger and you'll gain valuable insights into the inner life of your growing girl.

An excerpt from "The Social Lives of Our Children:

Parent Talk: The Social Lives of Our Children from Great Conversations on Vimeo.

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For over 25 years, Great Conversations has offered classes to preteens, teens and their families on puberty, sexuality, communication, decision-making and other important topics surrounding adolescents. We believe that parents are their children's prime sexuality resource and that sometimes families need and appreciate additional resources to initiate and maintain these important conversations about growing up.

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"Sex Ed is in Session" by Mary Jo Podgurski
"For Goodness Sex" by Al Vernacchio
"There's No Place Like Home...for Sex Education" by Mary Gossart

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"The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone" by Carol Queen, Ph.D. & Shar Rednour
"Guide to Getting It On" by Paul Joannides
"Naked at Our Age: Talking Out loud About Senior Sex" by Joan Price
"Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause" by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective
"The Joy of Gay Sex, Revised & Expanded Third Edition" by Charles Silverstein & Felice Picano

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"Girlsex 101" by Allison Moon & KD Diamond (gender-inclusive for anyone with a vulva or partnered with someone a vulva)
"Guide to Getting It On" by Paul Joannides
"S.E.X." The All-You-Need-to-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College" by Heather Corinna

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(The developmental stage of an individual may make books listed for either or both grades 10-12 and Young Adult of interest.)

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(The developmental stage of an individual may make books listed for either or both grades 10-12 and Young Adult of interest.)

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"Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out" by Susan Kuklin
"S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-to-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get Youth Through High School and College" by Heather Corinna

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(The developmental stage of an individual may make books listed for either or both grades 7-9 and 10-12 of interest.)

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(The developmental stage of an individual may make books listed for either or both grades 7-9 and 10-12 of interest.)

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"GLBTQ: The survival guide for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens" by Kelly Huegel
"My New Gender Workbook" by Kate Bornstein
"Sexual Etiquette 101 & More" by Robert Hatcher, Sahron Raebel & Christian Thrasher
"The Teenage Body Book" by Kathy McCoy & Charles Wibbelsman
"Wait, What? A comic book guide to relationships, bodies, & growing up" by Heather Corinna & Isabella Rotman

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"It's Perfectly Normal" by Robbie Harris
"Sex is a Funny Word" by Cory Silverberg
"Nonnie Talks About...," a book series for grades 3-8, by Mary Jo Podgurski (topics include trauma, grief, death, puberty, race, child abuse prevention, consent, pregnancy & birth, gender & sex)

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"Neither" by Airlie Anderson
"Uncle Willy's Tickles" by Marcie Aboff
"A Family Is a Family Is a Family" by Sara O'Leary
"Nine Months: Before a Baby is Born" by MIranda Paul
"What Makes a Baby" by Cory Silverberg
"These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are my Toes" by Lexx Brown James