If there is anyone else out there trying to figure out how to talk to their kids about all of the uncomfortable maturation/where babies come from/sex stuff, I totally have to recommend this book:
It is excellent. When Rebekah was about ten, we bought a book published by American Girl that basically taught her what to expect as far as physical and emotional changes. It was a good book, as far as it went- and it didn't have anything "bad" in it. It was just for girls, though, so now that Price and Josh are that age (well, older, actually), I was looking for something else. My sister Katy recommended this one. After buying and reading through it, I decided that Rebekah needed to hear it, too. Rebekah, Price, Josh and I have been reading one chapter at a time, out loud, once a week. I am astounded at how perfect the book is for this purpose. It is short, funny, and no-nonsense. It doesn't mince words, but makes things understandable for pre-teens.
I am grateful for the discussion on maturation and sex, since those are sometimes hard topics to discuss. My favorite chapter, though, is called "Keys to emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth". While talking about the changes they will go through in these areas, it also gives the kids tools to successfully navigate life. I LOVE the four things Brad Wilcox discusses.... I think I need to make a plaque or something! Here they are (in abbreviated form- come borrow the book from me if you want more!):
The key to emotional growth is taking responsibility for our emotions.
The key to social growth is respecting others.
The key to intellectual growth is reading good books.
The key to spiritual growth is remembering the Savior, our covenants, and who we really are.
Can't you see it on the wall? The four "R's"- I need to make this our family motto.
I especially loved the first one- taking responsibility for our emotions. I've heard the phrase "take responsibility for your actions" lots of times- but I haven't often heard that I am responsible for my emotions. I needed that advice at least as much as my kids did.
Anyway, there is a lot more to this book- it really does cover everything, and from a gospel perspective. I'm so glad I found it!
It is excellent. When Rebekah was about ten, we bought a book published by American Girl that basically taught her what to expect as far as physical and emotional changes. It was a good book, as far as it went- and it didn't have anything "bad" in it. It was just for girls, though, so now that Price and Josh are that age (well, older, actually), I was looking for something else. My sister Katy recommended this one. After buying and reading through it, I decided that Rebekah needed to hear it, too. Rebekah, Price, Josh and I have been reading one chapter at a time, out loud, once a week. I am astounded at how perfect the book is for this purpose. It is short, funny, and no-nonsense. It doesn't mince words, but makes things understandable for pre-teens.
I am grateful for the discussion on maturation and sex, since those are sometimes hard topics to discuss. My favorite chapter, though, is called "Keys to emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth". While talking about the changes they will go through in these areas, it also gives the kids tools to successfully navigate life. I LOVE the four things Brad Wilcox discusses.... I think I need to make a plaque or something! Here they are (in abbreviated form- come borrow the book from me if you want more!):
The key to emotional growth is taking responsibility for our emotions.
The key to social growth is respecting others.
The key to intellectual growth is reading good books.
The key to spiritual growth is remembering the Savior, our covenants, and who we really are.
Can't you see it on the wall? The four "R's"- I need to make this our family motto.
I especially loved the first one- taking responsibility for our emotions. I've heard the phrase "take responsibility for your actions" lots of times- but I haven't often heard that I am responsible for my emotions. I needed that advice at least as much as my kids did.
Anyway, there is a lot more to this book- it really does cover everything, and from a gospel perspective. I'm so glad I found it!
1 comment:
Thanks. I will have to check that out. I have the American Girl one and really have enjoyed it, but have wondered what I will do with Scotty!
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