'Sex is a Funny Word' author says kids are old enough to know
CBC Radio | Posted: September 24, 2015 1:04 PM | Last Updated: September 24, 2015
"We'll tell you when you're older." It's a familiar response to children's questions about sex and sexuality.
But for Cory Silverberg, that reply simply isn't good enough. The author and sex educator joins Shad to discuss Sex is a Funny Word, his inclusive book for 8 to 10 year olds about bodies, gender, and sexuality.
The book's exploration of the gender spectrum, masturbation and sexual abuse — among other complex and even controversial topics — separates it from your typical school curriculum.
"[Kids] know that their parents are really excited when they learn to walk, and really excited when they learn new words — and then all of a sudden there's stuff they're not supposed to learn, and sex is one of them. So we wanted to be bold about it," he tells Shad.
But for Cory Silverberg, that reply simply isn't good enough. The author and sex educator joins Shad to discuss Sex is a Funny Word, his inclusive book for 8 to 10 year olds about bodies, gender, and sexuality.
The book's exploration of the gender spectrum, masturbation and sexual abuse — among other complex and even controversial topics — separates it from your typical school curriculum.
"[Kids] know that their parents are really excited when they learn to walk, and really excited when they learn new words — and then all of a sudden there's stuff they're not supposed to learn, and sex is one of them. So we wanted to be bold about it," he tells Shad.
WEB EXTRA | View some images from the book, posted here with permission from the author, below.