Metz Press Publishing | Craft•Gardening•Parenting•Life

Easy answers to awkward questions

Van der Merwe, Ilze & Bush, Nikki
978-1-920268-27-5

170x170mm
128 pp
Softcover
2009-06-01
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Children today want and need answers to questions about physical changes in puberty and related matters, much sooner than their parents did. They are more sexualized, growing up faster, and entering puberty earlier than ever before. Yet many parents still either avoid sexuality education or miss it completely through their own ignorance or fears. This book is the answer! Written for children between the ages of 8 and 13 in an easy question and answer format, with delightful illustrations to add a fun element, it will double as an invaluable guide for parents so that they can answer their children’s questions candidly, with knowledge, sensitivity and humour.

REVIEWS & ENDORSEMENTS
“Childline South Africa endorses this valuable book. Children need clear and practical information to help them develop responsible attitudes to their bodies, relationships and sexual behaviour. Ignorance about adolescence and sexuality creates vulnerability to abuse and exploitation, as well as contributes to low self esteem and poor self management. We applaud the simple way in which questions are asked and responded to in this book.”
– Joan van Niekerk, National Advocacy and Training Manager Childline

“A wonderful book that demystifies the process of growing up – a must for all little people in the process of becoming big people.”
– Lynne Cawood, Director, Childline Gauteng.

“Easy Answers to Awkward Questions comes at just the right time. Parents and teachers have long grappled with the complexities of sexuality education of children. Many have coped outstandingly when it comes to matters of the birds and the bees in the early years, but sexuality education for the pre-pubescent and pubescent child is a completely different matter and is not for the faint-hearted. Ilze and Nikki’s book is a considered work. It is neutral and non-judgemental, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. Easy Answers to Awkward Questions contextualizes growing up and sexual development as normal and natural, while reinforcing that that your body has rights, that you can protect yourself and that sex is for adults – all messages that children really need to hear and understand. I believe this book will make an excellent handbook for parents and educators alike, and that children between the ages of 8 and 13 will find it an invaluable resource as it is written in the same way that they think.”
– Heather Smith, recently retired principal of Wendywood Primary School, Gauteng, where she was also the Life Orientation educator (a portfolio that addressed values, morals, ethics, and life issues such as HIV/AIDS and sexuality). Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education 2008 (National Department of Education)