Talk to Me First - Softcover

Roffman, Deborah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738215082 ISBN 13: 9780738215082

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2012

We live in a time when kids of all ages are bombarded with age-sensitive material wherever they turn; "sexting" and bullying are on the rise at an increasingly younger age, and teen moms are "celebrified." What is a concerned--and embarrassed--parent to do? With wit, wisdom, and savvy, Deborah Roffman translates her experiences gleaned from decades of teaching kids and parents, and as a mom, into strategies to help parents navigate this tricky terrain. Talk to Me First is for any parent who wants to become and remain the most credible and influential resource about sexuality in their children's lives.

About the Author:

Deborah M. Roffman is a former member of the National Advisory Council for Sexual Health. Her work on childhood and teen sexuality has been featured in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Boston Globe and on national media outlets such as Nightline, 20/20, and NPR. Author of three widely acclaimed books for parents and teachers, Deborah was one of the original pioneers in the field. A teacher, workshop presenter, curriculum consultant, and parent educator, she has worked with over 300 public and private schools in the US and abroad, and scores of youth serving agencies. She continues to teach sexuality education in grades 4-12 at the Park School of Baltimore and other independent schools.

From Publishers Weekly:

Sex educator Roffman...encourages parents to “stay ahead of the media tsunami” and take their rightful place—partnering with schools—as the “go to person” when it comes to educating their kids about sex. For Roffman, human sexuality is the “richest, deepest, and most extensive” subject there is, and one can clearly sense her joy and exuberance in addressing her subject. But, she says, many parents are fearful and squeamish about talking with their kids about sex, which leaves the topic up to media outlets, advertisers, merchandisers, and others who are engaged in the “adultification” of children, without their best interests in mind. Roffman stresses that talking to kids about sex in a “sensible, normal and matter-of-fact” way is the goal, but first parents must overcome their own fear of using the words and talking the talk. She suggests that parents don a metaphorical “five-piece suit” and get to work, addressing five core issues of affirmation, information, clarity about values, setting limits, and anticipatory guidance. Roffman’s frank and vibrant pep talk will give parents the inspiration and tools needed to tackle the subject of sex with their kids.

• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0738215082
• ISBN 13: 9780738215082
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296