Talking with children about sex can be intimidating, but this book helps parents and caring adults navigate these conversations in a nurturing way. Goldman provides practical, specific language that describes answers to actual questions that are asked by children of a variety of ages. The case studies provide responses that are age and developmental stage appropriate, offering the “right” amount of detail for a child’s developing awareness. While the book is clearly written from the perspective of a heterosexual parent or caregiver, nearly a third of the questions are dedicated to topics related to sexual orientation, including definitions of “gay” and “transgender,” methods through which gay people become parents, different kinds of families, and some discussion of gender roles with toys and clothing.
Great Answers focuses on using appropriate language, using the actual names for body parts instead of nicknames, and being honest, but appropriate when answering questions, which will help reinforce levels of trust between the parent and the child. The author also stresses the importance of cultivating an ongoing, open conversation about sex, creating a progressive dialogue to support a child’s curious mind.
This short volume is full of suggestions in a simple question-and-answer format, and provides easy reference and ideas for answering children’s questions. There are three appendices, including one with a list of web and print resources to supplement information targeted at children and adults.
Great Answers to Difficult Questions About Sex is recommended for collections that offer support for parents or adults working with young and school-age children, as well as for adults who are in search of language to answer a child’s questions about sex.
Reviewed by, Rebekah Kilzer
Emerging Technologies Librarian
Drexel University
