28 May 2009

A new book for parents written and published by national sexual health charity fpa is launching today. The book, ‘Speakeasy: talking with your children about growing up’ is for parents and carers needing help and advice to talk to their children about sex and relationships. Speaking on the launch fpa patron Dr Miriam Stoppard said:

“Children need parents to give them information about puberty, sex and relationships to help them grow up safely and confidently. fpa is the leading expert in this particular field of parenting so I hope mums and dads everywhere will find this book as useful as I did.”

The book is based on fpa’s Speakeasy course – the most successful parenting course running in the UK about delivering sex and relationships education in the home. fpa’s new book, Speakeasy: talking with your children about growing up reflects the experiences, worries and common questions asked by the ten thousand parents fpa’s Speakeasy programme has worked with over the last decade.

fpa’s book is easy to read and suitable for parents with children of any age. It is split into chapters helping parents understand why and how to talk to their child about the different stages of growing up. Topics covered include puberty and body changes, love and relationships, sex and sexuality, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy choices.

Using pictures, quizzes, suggested activities and examples from parents who have been on fpa’s Speakeasy course, the book illustrates clearly how any sexual health issue can be brought up and discussed in a comfortable, relevant and age appropriate way.

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive fpa said: “Many parents and families ask us for help on how to best support their children around all aspects of sexual health and relationships, which is why we’ve written the book.

“Parents won’t find anything else like this on the shelves because our book is the collective voice of parents we’ve worked with over the last decade through our Speakeasy parenting courses. The book is fun, factual and accessible and can be used by any parent to help them talk to their child about growing up and their sexual health.”

Kylie, a parent who has completed the Speakeasy course, said the book has helped her understand how to be sensitive towards her children as they grow up and experience changes in their bodies and emotions:

“The book is easy to read through and tells you how to approach issues of sex and relationships not just with older children but to start early. The book really helps you understand how to make your children feel comfortable talking to you and how to be approachable yourself.”

Customers can purchase the book form fpa Direct on 0845 122 8600 or fpadirect@fpa.org.uk or Amazon.co.uk. Further information about the book is available from: http://www.fpa.org.uk/Shop/Sexandrelationshipseducationpublicationsandresources/Speakeasytalkingwithyourchildren

Journalists wanting review copies please contact Adam Stevens on 020 7608 5264 or adams@fpa.org.uk.

     -ENDS-

For further information please contact fpa’s press office on 020 7608 5265/5264.
Mobile 07958 921060.

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

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