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March/April 2008

Step-by-step sex ed
As parents, we know it’s important to teach our children about real life, but when it comes to talking about sex and sexuality, many of us tend to be indirect—or even blatantly evasive. Yet most pop culture sexuality “education” and values fail our children. It’s understandable to feel unprepared to jump into conversations about sexual desire, oral sex, or condoms, but just remember: Like every other difficult task, it’s an acquired skill. Here are some tricks to help you master the task with your daughter (they work just as well with sons, too). By Melisa Holmes, M

November/December 2007

Mothering Journey: What girls learn from “The Pole” by Cora Daniels
What do our daughters learn from our current cultural fascination—from both adults and teens—with pole-dancing and other forms of overt sexuality? Girls begin believing that they’re only as good as their hypersexualized persona, notes Daniels, mom to a young daughter and author of Ghetto Nation: A Journey into the Land of Bling and the Home of the Shameless (Doubleday, 2007). We can give girls healthier ideals by encouraging her to appreciate her body in ways that truly benefits her.

September/October 2007

Healthy ways to handle dad-daughter sexual issues by Bill Klatte
One of the most challenging phases of father-daughter relationships occurs when a girl begins expressing her emerging sexuality, says Daughters expert, father, and therapist Bill Klatte. When a daughter starts looking and acting more sexually mature, many fathers react in confusion or fear or other emotions. There may even be some sexual attraction, all of which tends to make dads retreat. Get guidance on how to handle this time in healthy ways that help ensure that your daughter remains emotionally close to both her parents as well as self-aware and safe.

Is she too focused on “sexy”? by Helen Cordes
Parents know well that the pressure to look and act “sexy” is very strong for girls these days, from younger girls who want to wear revealing clothes to teens aiming to imitate highly sexualized media images. It’s hard to forbid girls from clothes and activities that seem “normal” for peers, and many parents find it hard to talk, especially with younger girls, about topics dealing with sexuality, says Daughters expert Diane Levin, coauthor with Jean Kilbourne of the forthcoming book Sexy So Soon: The Sexualization of Childhood. Get guidance on how to discuss these crucial issues with girls of all ages to work out healthy guidelines that keep girls confident about their bodies and behaviors.

May/June 2007

Talking about the HPV vaccine by Kathreen Francis
Many parents are unsure about how to broach the topic of the new HPV vaccine, which is intended to prevent cervical cancer. Because the virus is often transmitted sexually, many states may now require that the three-part vaccine be given to middle-school-aged girls, since it is effective when administered before sexual activity begins. Relax, say our experts. The vaccine is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your views on sexuality and health whatever they may be, and your honesty will guide your girl toward the healthiest choices.

January/February 2006

Interview: Nathalie Bartle on talking about sex
Talking with our daughters about sexual behavior and beliefs is one of the most difficult challenges of parenting, says Nathalie Bartle, author of Venus in Blue Jeans: Why Mothers and Daughters Need to Talk about Sex. But we owe our girls direction in times when surveys report sexual activity at ever younger ages. Learn how to talk to help guide girls to better choices.

March/April 2005

Supporting Her Emerging Sexuality
As girls start thinking about sexuality and relationships, parents need to think about how they might respond to various questions and concerns that may come up, particularly if a daughter asks about homosexuality. Open and informed discussions are key.

November/December 2003

Interview: Sarah Brown on Sexuality
Director of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Sarah Brown reacts to the controversy surrounding a recent study about the sexuality of adolescents 14 and younger.