Book Club: Book Review of Talking with Teens about Sexuality

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One of the topics that can be quite challenging for parents to discuss with their children is sexuality. Just how does one have critical conversations with their children – especially their teens – when there is so much information available online? Parents can seek the advice of professionals such as Beth Robinson, a licensed professional counselor, and Latayne C. Scott, who has written more than two dozen books. In their latest book, Talking with Teens about Sexuality: Critical Conversations about Social Media, Gender Identity, Same-Sex Attraction, Pornography, Purity, Dating, Etc., parents will find a very well-organized Biblical approach to have open and honest conversations with their teens. 

I have previously read and reviewed Robinson and Scott's book, Protecting Your Child from Predators (also published by Bethany House Publishers), prior to selecting this book to read and review. I think, with both of these books in hand, parents will be well equipped to sit down with their children and tackle what are often seen as difficult and scary conversations. If you are looking for something specific, you can look through the table of contents of Talking with Teens about Sexuality, rather than reading the book cover to cover. Personally, I started at the beginning, but I was then curious as to the point of view that Robinson and Scott had regarding several topics from later in the book. So, I skipped around a bit. 

What Can You Expect? 

This 203-paperback book will help you see just why you don't understand the world in which your teen is living in regards to sexuality. Things are different than when we were young, even if we don't want to admit it. As the back of the book states: "Drs. Robinson and Scott provide scientifically reliable and biblically-based information about gender fluidity, types of intimacy, online dangers, setting boundaries, and much more." Our children have questions, and if we don't provide them with answers or help them seek answers, then they will find those answers elsewhere. Those people or places may not align with what we believe. So, we need to be ready to talk with our teens about sexuality. 

Divided into fourteen chapters with a recommended resources lists in the back, parents will find scientifically-based information, references to Scripture, and questions to help explore with their teens. There are personal stories shared from the experience of both authors, as well as questions that parents can ask themselves so they can discover just what they know and think about each topic. For example, readers will discover that teens probably don't have a firm understanding of social and relationship skills as most of their communication is done via texting or online.  

What Do I Think? 

I must admit I was concerned when I started reviewing Talking with Teens about Sexuality because I didn't want this book to turn about to be too steeped in the culture of today. I was very happy to see direct references to the Bible and what God wants and expects of us and our teens when it comes to sexuality. I truly appreciate reading this sentence in chapter two: "I'm assuming you have and want Christian values and a Christian lifestyle, but finding a way to first make those part of your own heart-thinking can be difficult" (23). This was the start of a chapter that addresses four foundational issues for Christian parents. And the chapter closes (before conversation starter questions for our teens) with a reminder that we, as parents, have the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God behind us. "You can do this" (31). 

I would recommend Talking with Teens about Sexuality to Christian parents who wish to raise their children according to God's wishes and not the wishes of today's world. It is not an easy task when so much of what our teens see every day does not always align with God's teaching but books like this one are so helpful in parenting our children.