Okay, raise your hand if you like talking to your children about puberty and intimacy. Anyone? Anyone? No? Yeah, most people don't, which is why I'm pleased to share these books with you today.
I was sent Growing Up God's Way for Girls
and Growing Up God's Way for Boys
to review. Amazon lists these as being recommended for ages 10-14, but my 14 year old rolled her eyes at this book, as we've already covered these issues. I would put them more at the 8 to 12 range, personally. 
Both books are very similar, with chapters on Puberty, Marriage, the changes that occur both in girls and in boys, Physical Intimacy, and the maturity and emotional components of growing up. Childbirth is briefly discussed, with one photo of an unborn baby, and 3 cartoon images depicting pregnancy and labor. There are many cartoon illustrations throughout.
These books are helpful to parents, who often don't know how to bring up these awkward topics. They're also helpful to kids who are too shy to ask questions. Often, asking your child to read a book like this will break the ice and lead to conversations where you can share your perspective and reassurances.
These gentle books are more conversational in nature than technical. For example, when discussing intercourse, the book says "After a few minutes, at a special moment, some fluid containing millions of sperm passes out of the husband's body into his wife's body, in a process called ejaculation." The word "orgasm" is never used.
The books are written from a Christian perspective, and define marriage as one man and one woman. No other options are discussed in the book.
Each 80 page paperback book sells for around $13 on Amazon.
I'm glad that books are being written about this from a Christian perspective.
ReplyDeleteCertainly better than getting all your info in 5th grade health, like I did.
DeleteShecki,
ReplyDeleteThank you for contributing to the Growing Up God's Way for Boys and Girls blog tour.
In Christ Alone,
Dave Jenkins
Book Promotions Specialist, Cross Focused Reviews
It was my pleasure! Thanks for having me!
DeleteI think I am so weird, but I kind of like (in an awkward way) talking about this stuff with my kids. Although, I am entering new territory as my first son enters the age of needing to learn about sex, intimacy, his body, etc. Good grief, I can't seem to get him to remember deoderant!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely check out these books, thank you so much for the recommendations! I just want to cram as much teaching into their little heads before the rest of the world distorts intimacy and marriage for them!
God bless!
It's actually kind of fun, once they get to be teens, to talk about this sort of stuff, because it's so easy to totally horrify them, lol!
DeleteThank you for sharing these books!!! Very helpful. I am actually in the process of writing a Bible study for my oldest to give her on her 10th birthday that covers "How to be a lady". It covers everything from controlling our emotions to friendships and sex.
ReplyDeleteLadylike behavior is so rare these days. Modesty, manners, we've lost something important. I think it's wonderful that you're actively trying to reclaim that for her.
DeleteThank you for explaining that these books could be used for an 8-12 year old range. I think it's important it is explained correctly and from a Christian perspective so I will have to look into purchasing these. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThese are very mild. Totally appropriate for younger kids. Not even any mention of birth control.
DeleteThey must be great books to read. Explaining sexual education to teens in the Christian perspective should not make any mistake that can be stuck on the children's mind. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have resources like this to help with what can sometimes be an awkward conversation. :)
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