I have been searching on Amazon for a book about the changes that occur during puberty in boys. I don't want a book about sex, just the actual physical and emotional changes--what happens, when it typically happens, how to deal with things like wet dreams, shaving, and zits, etc. Every book I find has chapters on homosexuality and birth control/STDs. I am not ignorant and do not choose to stick my head in the sand on these issues, but they just aren't simply relevant to my particular 10 y/o son at this time in his life. We don't condone homosexuality, so I would prefer that a chapter on that be left out altogether (although my son does know what it means after coming home in 4th grade asking what "gay" meant). And really he doesn't quite need to know about STDs and birth control yet. We'll be more than happy to talk about that later when it really matters. I have found many wonderful books for girls and they don't give TMI--just the right amount. I had this same problem buying a book about sex for my sons last year. They knew where babies came from, but not how they were made. I wanted a simple book explaining sex. Again, I got elaborate forays into alternative lifestyles and then when I finally settled on a Christian book that didn't promote homosexuality it gave waaay too much detail by describing ways to please a woman...and the book was geared for 9-12 y/o's!!! I think boys do need to learn that sex is give and take and that part of their responsibility is to make sure the woman's sexual needs are met, but does a 5th grader really need to know that and how to accomplish it!? AAARRRGGH!! Frustrated by the whole thing. If anyone has a good book recommendation, I'll all ears.

By Melanie on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:29 am:

I have the book "It's So Amazing". This is probably too young for your son, but I do believe there is one after it for older kids. Although it does touch upon homosexuality and STD's, I would still recommend this book and suggest you simply tear out the pages you are not interested in. HTH.

By Conni on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 10:26 am:

Pam, my sister found a series of books at the christian book store in Tulsa. The first book is for young kids and it works it's way thru books about the changing body, etc... I looked at them when I was at her house last week and I plan to get them for my children. Really nicely put books about how God made our bodies so special!

I of course cant think of the name right now. But I would be glad to ask her if you're interested?

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 09:36 pm:

Check out this.. Preparing for Adolescence

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 09:40 pm:

There are a couple listed here...

Keywords = puberty

By Pamt on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 09:44 pm:

Thanks, I'll check those out.