"I thoroughly recommend this book to any one who has children. The earlier parents read it the better. It is a great way to be prepared for all those moments which happen in life with children. If you want your child to be successful in their relationships as they grow up read From Birth to Puberty. Children learn from watching their parents, and this book will be a great help as you apply it to your own understanding and therefore the understanding of your children."

-Dr Sue Bagshaw, BSc (Hons) MB BS FACSHP
Senior Doctor Christchurch Youth Health Centre
President, International Association for Adolescent Health
Senior Lecturer, University of Otago

"...a book which will be invaluable to parents and caregivers in guiding their children to becoming healthy adults, comfortable with their sexuality. Having worked extensively with adolescents, I believe that many of their problems would not have occurred if they had a 'matter of fact' open and honest relationship with their parents such as this book models. I recommend this book to parents as a very necessary resource."

- Joan Plowman BN, RCpN, Coordinator,
Child Health Program, Hawke's Bay District Health Board

"I see this book as enabling parents to handle the complex tasks of parenting with more confidence. The case histories throughout From Birth to Puberty help parents relate to situations in a sympathetic way. Above all it is a very practical book with lots of creative ideas to stimulate parents rather than make them feel guilty about things they have or haven't done."

-Dr Margaret Sparrow MBE, BSc MBChB Dip Ven FACSHP HonDSc FRANZCOG(Hon)
Sexual Health Physician

"An easy read with lots of relevant examples. I love the inclusive language used. I recommend the book without hesitation. It covers the entire range of experience termed "sexuality" in a way that is empowering, comprehensive and holistic."

-Tess Conran-Liew, BA MA(Hons)
Psychologist, New Zealand Playcentre Federation

"Parents will find this book informative and easy to read. It covers a broad range of issues, and our Preschool Management Advisers think that including experiences and examples is a great idea - first hand knowledge for parents - ie easy to relate to. For a topic that is sometimes awkward or embarrassing for parents it covers issues in a relaxing and easy going manner."

-Kindergarten Parents Victoria

"In my job I get the chance to read and recommend many books on sex and sexuality and I do not hesitate to recommend From Birth to Puberty to parents or caregivers of young children. It's not always easy to talk about sex and sexuality with your children. Most parents don't get a lot of practice, so it's really important to be ready when the time comes. From Birth to Puberty offers a comprehensive, positive, easy to read guide that has been written from experience, expertise and understanding. I will be adding this book to the FPA Bookshop catalogue."

-Noelene Smith, National Resource and Health Promotion Manager,
New Zealand Family Planning Association

"This book is full of common sense. It emphasizes that children's sexual development must be treated as a positive, natural part of their lives and that children need to have good open communication with their parents if they are to grow up with a healthy view of sex and sexuality.

The book is divided into age-related sections. Each tells you about physical development within the age bracket, how the children may be feeling, what worries them and the sorts of things they may want to know; all of it useful if your memory of your own childhood development is a little hazy.

There are case studies: examples covering questions, behaviour and situations. These add perspective and make the book an easy read. A section describes the content of schools' sexuality education programs.

Say goodbye to the 'Big Talk' at puberty, the authors advise. If the communication has been kept open since birth it's unneeded. Children will have gained all the knowledge and skills they need for healthy sexuality throughout their childhood.

The difficult questions parents may be confronted with are examined, and suggestions offered for how to answer them. Again, common sense prevails, and the authors advise that before they answer, parents should work out exactly what the child wants to know and what messages about sex they want to give the child. Several examples are given to illustrate this technique, using some of the more curly questions likely to be encountered.

Even if you don't think you've got a problem talking to your children about sex, it's always reassuring to see the sorts of questions and behaviour others are experiencing."

- Massey University Magazine

What do you tell your children about sex and sexuality? how? when? where? Do you wait until puberty and have the 'big talk'? or is it part of children's early years? Written by New Zealand authors as a support for parents, From Birth to Puberty starts from the position that parents need to communicate with their children about sexuality from birth onwards.

The authors, who have many years' experience facilitating workshops on this topic, say that supporting children in sexuality does not just mean the "big talk" at puberty. Neither is it just about the biological facts, but more holistically about our bodies, about feeling good about ourselves and about being able to make healthy decisions. I particularly like the emphasis on how to help our young people develop a strong set of values.

A large number of scenarios by parents of what is normal behaviour will undoubtedly reassure many parents. Many examples of how to respond to our children's questions or tricky situations will be helpful for most of us for whom it is still easier to discuss the weather than explaining to our children how to make a baby. Discussing sexuality issues for stepfamilies, different cultures and children with special needs make the book very inclusive and up to date.

In my view this book will be an excellent addition to the adult library in our Playcentres. Ideally I see the book as a starting point for a small group discussion; reading about sexuality education is one thing, discussing with others would be the next helpful step in becoming more comfortable with talking about it. Overall: Highly recommended.

Lia de Vocht, Canterbury Playcentre Association, Playcentre Journal