Beyond the Big Talk: Every Parent's Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Teens From Middle School to High School and Beyond (Paperback)

~ Debra W. Haffner (Author), Alyssa Haffner Tartaglione (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sexuality educator Haffner (From Diapers to Dating) a mother of two with a master's in public health who directed the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. from 1988 to 2000 treats adolescent sexuality holistically. Eschewing the one traditional "Big Talk" about sex, Haffner urges parents to keep the lines of communication constantly open and to utilize "teachable moments." Sections on early, middle and later adolescent development are organized by the age-appropriateness of sexual information. The discussion of birth control makes the essential point that mixed messages are acceptable (i.e., one can discourage kids from having sex, while advocating safe sex); Internet use, sexual harassment and body image are all addressed with real conversations in mind. Claiming that parental involvement influences not only sexual behavior but also kids' alcohol- and drug-use, Haffner deploys statistics on teens' sexual sophistication. Frequent asides about Haffner's own adolescence (presumably to help parents remember their teen years) seem gratuitous, but her assertion that teens need to learn both facts and sexual values from their parents is sound. (June 11)Forecast: Haffner has made appearances on Oprah, 20/20, Dateline and Good Morning America, and in Time, Newsweek and elsewhere; her previous book was a 1999 Parents' Choice Approval award winner all of which should translate into big sales. She is currently studying at Union Theological Seminary, which will reassure less secularly-minded parents.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Picking up where her From Diapers to Dating (1999) left off, Haffner explores the choppy seas of adolescence, from middle school to college. She outlines the basic adolescent developmental stages, appropriately cautioning that each person develops differently. She cautions, too, against parental complacency--the attitude that higher rates of sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and teen pregnancy occur among other people's children. She focuses on the good news that greater parental involvement can help adolescents navigate the difficult early years of sexual awakening. Educating teens about sexuality is an important parental responsibility that involves more than simply giving teens a book about sex or having a single big talk. It should be an ongoing process, with parents listening to teens and remembering their own adolescence and sexual awakening. Examining issues ranging from physical development to peer pressure to youth culture, the book is arranged by grade level. Haffner explores issues especially relevant to particular age groups and offers solid advice and resources to parents, who will greatly appreciate her candor. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press; 1st edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557045178
• ISBN-13: 978-1557045171
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #806,465 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide for parents of teens, August 8, 2007

By	Edna Smiles - See all my reviews

Most of us parents are not taught how to have open and healthy conversations with kids about sex and the myriad of topics associated with it. I found the author's expertise and common sense approach a terrific resource, and I wish I had read it a long time ago .. like when my kids were still in grade school. I highly recommend it.