cover image Got Teens? The Doctor Moms’ Guide to Sexuality, Social Media and Other Adolescent Realities

Got Teens? The Doctor Moms’ Guide to Sexuality, Social Media and Other Adolescent Realities

Logan Levkoff and Jennifer Wider, M.D. Seal (PGW, dist.), $16 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-58005-506-2

This insightful guide to adolescent bodies, health, and sexuality by educators Levkoff (Third Base Ain’t What it Used to Be) and Wider (The New Mom’s Survival Guide) combines solid information with compassionate advice. Information is presented in q&a format, with theoretical parents posing questions on topics ranging from puberty (“My son’s chest seems to be developing a little. WTF?”), to sexuality (“My son asked me if a girl can get pregnant from oral sex. What should I tell him?”), to body image (“My daughter is on a diet…”). The answers acknowledge the confusion that parents may feel when they try to figure out the motives behind their teens’ questions. Other questions and answers address the implications of parenting decisions and concerns about what is normal. In all cases, the authors respond with sensitivity about the interaction between “solid science and individual parental values.” Although the claim that the advice comes from “doctor moms” is a little dubious, given that the authors’ children are still young, it’s clear that they have considerable experience dealing with adolescents and their parents. This guide offers parents comfort and encouragement together with effective communication tools to help them help their kids make the tough transition to adulthood. (Mar.)