Beyond the Big Talk: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Teens—from Middle School to High School and Beyond

by Debra W. Haffner, M.P.H. ’79

Newmarket Press (New York) 2001

As children mature into potentially sexually active young adults, parents have an increasingly difficult time talking to them about the sensitive topics of sex and sexuality. The influences of the media, the Internet and peer pressure complicate relationships between parent and child and make it harder than ever before for parents to pass their own values on to their teens. But parents who are able to stay involved in their children’s lives can make a big difference in the children’s actions and behaviors.

Writing in a realistic, practical and informative style, Haffner provides a wealth of techniques and ideas for helping teens deal with sexuality issues. With checklists and sample conversations, she gives specific information particular to each age group: middle school, early high school, late high school and beyond. She addresses such crucial issues as peer pressure, dating and parties, alcohol and drugs, sexual harassment and abstinence.