There are 6 books in this series (boys edition and girls editions avaliable) designed to help parents communicate biblical values to their children in the area of sexuality. Each book in the series is graded, in vocabulary and in the amount of information it provides. It answers the questions that persons at each age level typically ask. Because children vary widely in their growth rates and interest levels, parents probably want to preview each book in the series, directing the child to the next graded book when he/she is ready for it.
The Learning about Sex series provides in formation about the social-psychological and physiological aspects of human sexuality. It does so from a distinctively Christian point of view, in the context of our relationship to the God who created us and redeemed us in Jesus Christ. The series presents sex as another good gift from God, which is to be used responsibly.
The first book, Why Boys and Girls Are Different, is for boys and girls ages 4-6, and of course, to be read to them by their parent(s). Because of the age group, it is mainly a picture book with many colourful pictures. The simple text and the pictures teach that the similarities and differences between boys and girls are created by God for specific reasons.
The second book in the series is entitled Where Do Babies Come From? It is for boys and girls in the age group from 7 to 9. Again, with lots of colourful pictures, but with much more text than the first book. We quote from the note to parents at the beginning of the book:
“Here are six easy to remember guidelines to keep in mind as you answer questions:
- Commend your child for coming to you and for asking, especially if the question makes you uneasy!
- Clarify the question: ‘When you ask, “Where do babies come from?” do you mean, “How do they grow?”
- Communicate with simple, direct answers.
- Connect your answer to what your child already knows (or thinks he knows). Also, you may want to connect your child’s question to other aspects of growing up, thereby avoiding the danger of isolating sex from the wider background of life in general.
- Care must be taken to warn your child about the possibilities of abuse. You might want to work this into a discussion of appropriate behaviour. “Your body belongs to you – including those private parts that your swimming suit covers. You don’t show those parts or touch them in public. And other people should not touch your private parts either. No one has a right to do that unless it’s a nurse or a doctor helping you to be well or someone who cares for you helping you to be clean. If anyone does touch your private parts, be sure to tell me. I want to keep you safe.”
- Christ Himself is with us and is guiding us in what we say and what we model about relationships. Share with your child: “Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus, God’s own Son, was born as a baby? He grew up – just as we do. So He knows what it’s like when we feel lonely or afraid. He always did what was right – and He died on a cross – to pay for our sins. Now we can be sure that God, our Father, forgives us. And we can be glad that Jesus is there to help us grow as God’s loving children.”
How You Are Changing, is the title of the third book in the series. It is written for the age group of 10 to 12. The writers of the book realize that parents may ask themselves the question, whether all the factual information given in the book, is really necessary for 10- to 12- year olds. They point out that children nowadays live in a different world. Children are exposed to distorted information about sex every day – through TV shows, movies, the Internet, the words to popular music, and from their friends at school.
Mention is made of research, showing that children are far more likely to develop healthy attitudes about their sexuality when parents encourage discussion about sex. Too much information does not seem to do any harm when linked to positive values. The child who feels unable to ask questions is far more likely to become preoccupied with sex than the one who has open access to information.
Sex and the New You, is the fourth book in the series, for the age group of 13 to 14/15. There are separate books for boys and girls. This is the same for the previous title, even for books 1 and 2, though there is not much difference for the first two books in the series.
Love, Sex, and God, is the title of book 5 of the series. We have a copy of “the new Learning About Sex” series. It is different from the previous version in that there are particular authors mentioned by name, and acknowledgement of people by name for their contributions in the areas of special expertise. The authors are: Bill Ameiss and Jane Graver. The book is aimed at older teens up to young adults.
We would like to give an extensive quote from the first chapter:
Sexuality in the Media
What attitudes about sex do you see reflected in
- the magazines you read (or look at)?
- the movie you saw most recently?
- your favourite TV show?
- the songs you listen to?
- the images you see on some Internet sites?
Do these show responsible, sexual persons, who, though imperfect and vulnerable, do have a set of values – or do they picture glamorous figures who live in a world of fantasy? Does the story tell of trust, communication, and caring between two loving people – or does it imply that physical attraction is all there is?
Many ads, movies, TV shows, etc., seem to be written for the lowest level of maturity and intelligence. If we constantly fill our minds with words and pictures that show sex as an aggressive and impersonal act, we may find it hard to maintain our own moral values and to develop lasting, loving relationships.
This book encourages honouring God as young adults, addressing a wide range of issues from a Christian perspective. It also lends itself to be used for young couples preparing for marriage.
The sixth book is about talking confidently with your children about sex.
The publisher of this series is Concordia Publishing House.
For more information, feel free to consult their website: www.cph.org
