The basics. Sexually healthy families. The key : finding teachable moments. Guidelines for communication
Infants and toddlers, birth to age 2. Sexual development of infants. Parents' feelings. The importance of touch. The circumcision decision. First days at home. Teaching the parts of the body. Genital exploration. Thinking through gender roles. Special issue. Your child-care provider
The preschool years, ages 2 to 5. Teaching the parts of the body. Bath time. "I want to be alone!" Genital touching. "We're just playing doctor, mom." Friendships and feelings. "When I grow up, I'm going to marry mommy." "Is my son gay?" "Where do I come from?" When your child walks in when you are making love. Special issues. Your preschool. Sexual abuse
Early elementary school, ages 5 to 8. Your child is growing up. Teaching your child the facts of life. Bath time. Masturbation. More on sex play. Friendships. Tomboys and sissy girls. Going to other people's houses. "But all the kids watch it." The news. Working with the elementary school. "Tag, you have AIDS." "Oh s@#$!" "The Britney syndrome." Special issues. Divorce. Parents dating. When your child isn't conceived the "when mommy and daddy love each other" way
Upper elementary school, ages 9 to 12. Preparing for puberty. Preparing your daughter for puberty. Preparing your son for puberty. For boys and girls. A few words about early and late developers. "Am I normal?" Emotional development. The preteenager with no questions. Masturbation. Going together. "Mom, I think I'm gay." Body image, appearance, and dieting. Teen magazines. "Dad, will you buy me a Playboy?" The internet. Special issues. Hostile hallways. How to evaluate sexuality education. Outside of the home.
