Sex Ed Books for Kids (and parents!)
By Alyssa Quimby, MD
I often get asked about book recommendations when teaching kids about sex, reproduction and anatomy. Like we’ve discussed over the last few weeks on the blog, part of being a sex positive parent is being open to these discussions with your kids – if you missed these posts, check them out here and here! And having books around the house on these topics can be a great way to start some of these (sometimes challenging/awkward) conversations. My big caveat here is this however – I do not advise anyone to just give your kid one of these books and call it day. The following recommendations really are designed for you to read WITH your child. I’ll also give you some great recommendations for you to read on your own that can help guide you on how to have more sex positive conversations.
Let’s start with preschool age kids. As we discussed last week, preschool age kids are often curious about their bodies and how they are the same or different from their parents. They are also curious about how they were born and especially if a baby brother or sister is entering the picture soon. Books for this age group generally focus on these topics.
Great book written by one of my favorite authors. Age appropriate for preschool and focuses on differences between male and female anatomy. Good way to practice using correct terminology!
Believe it or not, this was actually my FAVORITE book as a child. So yes, it is quite old. But still stands up as a great book for preschool age kids. Also, perhaps interesting foreshadowing that I would become an Ob/Gyn! Way to influence me at an early age Mom :)
For elementary school age kids, they often want to know more about puberty, how their body will change, what a period is, etc. They are often navigating challenges with relationships with friends at this time as well so conversations about healthy relationships, boundaries and consent are important.
Here are a few books I think are especially helpful for this age group:
Wonderful book all about puberty, periods and caring for the female body. There is another version for younger girls (may be more appropriate for earlier elementary) as well.
Puberty book for boys from the same author of Care and Keeping of YOU!
For middle school age kids, they are much more interested in details about sex. This is also when most kids are exposed to porn for the first time (even despite all our parental controls, etc). Which is why conversations about sex, pornography, and masturbation are important to have with your kids. In an ideal world, they hear about all of this from you before they hear it from their friends or the internet. Books that help cover some of these topics are:
Great book with details on procreation geared for late elementary to middle school age.
Another book by the same author but geared toward older middle school age kids. Has more information about sex and sexual health topics.
There are of course MANY books on how to talk to your kids about sex that are geared toward parents. Some of my favorites are the following:
LOVE this book by the well known sex educator Al Vernacchio! Gives parents a different perspective on how to talk to your kids about sex and sexuality.
Good review on topics to cover when talking to your kids about sex. Also includes sample conversation starters.
This book covers how to talk to your middle school age kid as they prepare to enter high school. Topics reviewed include: healthy relationships, self-care, technology, impulsivity, and money.
So there you have it! I hope this inspires you to go hit your local bookstore and pick up a few of these to check out. Your kid’s future self will thank you 😊
And, if this all leaves you with anxiety about having these conversations – have no fear, we have a workshop for that!!
