TEENS, SEX & HEALTH - A Comprehensive Approach to Sexual Education

Parent's Choice 2008 Silver Honor AWARD WINNER - It's not a fun moment for kids or parents, but having a conversation about sex is important, especially as children are maturing at younger ages and are constantly bombarded by sexual images on television, in movies and in magazines. You have lots of choices. Many books and videos address sex. Some are simplistic and cartoonish and may be more appropriate for younger kids. Some are fact-based and dry, so as to avoid any hint of judgment or morality. This two-disc set, Teens, Sex & Health, approaches the topic in a clear, yet conversational and realistic, tone. It's likely,that kids who are 13 - 18 will greatly benefit from this - or parts of this - as well. Teens are not interviewed; it's not about their experiences. Instead, the videos present information from an array of doctors and medical professionals, including a urologist, a sexologist and a gynecologist. It's like going to the doctor to talk about sex without having to go to the doctor to talk about sex. Eight segments - Message to Parents, Female Reproductive Health, Male Reproductive Health, Sex 101, Birth Control, Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infection, HIV/AIDS Education and Drugs & Alcohol Effects on Sexual Health -- are divided into 43 chapters, allowing for easy viewing of just one topic at a time. Topics are detailed, but not overly so, and include ;Puberty,Circumcision,Pap Smear,Urinary Tract Infection,Oral Sex,Same Sex Relations and more. Every type of birth control is explained. One note: Planned Parenthood plays heavily in the program, with a representative suggesting many times that it is a resource for parents and teens. However, doctors stress that families should help guide and inform children about sex according to their traditional and religious beliefs. The main message from the doctors is: healthy sexuality.Everyone - regardless of gender or sexual preference - should understand what's happening and what risks are involved to be able to make informed, healthy decisions. Think about: How is this going to affect my life? one doctor poses. But the doctors also advise that sex isn't just a physical act. The emotions involved are powerful and should be respected. One section is devoted to the Kinds of Intimacy in Relationships. Another message strongly conveyed is: Don't do something you don't want to do And in the same-sex discussion, a doctor recommends finding a support group to help navigate through those waters. I would be willing to bet that even if you have talked to your kids about sex, there's something on this program you haven't addressed, or maybe didn't even know. It's valuable and smart, easy to use, and focuses on healthy behaviors. No matter what your personal beliefs, that's a good starting point for a discussion about sex. Ann Oldenburg ©2008 Parents' Choice Ann Oldenburg is the mother of three boys, writes about entertainment for USA Today.