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FAQS

What are your qualifications to write this guide? 

I earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development (the majority of which was focused on child development, specifically) and a master's degree in Marriage, Family, & Human Development with a research emphasis on healthy sexuality. I am a gender and sexuality researcher who has spent hundreds of hours studying how to best address these topics with kids. And, I'm a new mama who cares deeply about offering my kids a healthy, shame-free sex education. 

Is the guide meant only for Christian families? 

Because beliefs and values vary so dramatically from family to family, this guide focuses on the "must haves" of sex education—things I believe every child should know. While the guide does not necessarily promote any specific value system, it does provide help for parents to identify sexual morals and values that they hope to pass on to their children. The guide also provides examples of how parents can approach specific values with their kids, if applicable.  

Do these conversations really need to start at age 0? 

Conversations about sex, specifically, do not need to start that early, of course. But it is important to establish a foundation of knowledge and body autonomy during the first few years of a child's life. For example, I encourage parents to use the correct terminology for body parts with their children from the time that they are born. 

If I purchase it, can I share the guide with friends or family members?

I know you want to share things that you love (which I definitely hope is how you feel about the guide). However, each purchase of the guide can only be used by members of a single household. I have done my best to price the guide to be accessible to as many families as possible. Please do not send the PDF or print copies for anyone outside your home.

Does the guide address how to help children avoid predators? 

Yes. There is an entire, very detailed section devoted to protecting your children against sexual assault. It includes specific discussions to have with your kids, ideas for family safety rules, and direction for establishing open communication with your children about this topic. I also provide a list of children's books that can be helpful in these discussions.

Can I print the guide? Or can I only access it digitally? 

Once you purchase the PDF, it is yours to use however you would like. Feel free to have it printed (and bound, if you're feeling fancy) if you would like to have a hard copy. As long as you do not share the guide with others outside of your household, you are welcome to download it and/or print it as many times as you would like. 

Is there a version for older kids? Mine are no longer in the 0-9 range. 

Not yet, but there will be! The second edition of Teaching Kids about Sex, which will focus on ages 10-18, is in the works and will launch later this year. If you feel confident that you have covered bodies, consent, sex, and avoiding predators in pretty good detail with your older kids, go ahead and wait for the second edition. If you're just starting to have these conversations (it's never too late to start, my friend!), the first edition might still be a helpful resource for you, even if your kids are a bit older.