Book for 'sensitive talks'

Holly Brennan co-wrote Is This Normal? book.

Contributed

PARENTS discussing sexuality subjects with their children is a sensitive issue - but a Weyba Downs author says it does not have to be.

Holly Brennan co-wrote Family Planning Queensland's new book 'Is this Normal?: Understanding your child's sexual behaviour', which was launched on Tuesday.

The book aims to shed light on child sexual behaviours and help parents guide healthy sexual development.

Ms Brennan, Family Planning Queensland's research and program development manager , was last month awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the community through organisations promoting the welfare and rights of children.

The 42-year-old mother of three said the book used a traffic light system to differentiate between healthy (green), concerning (orange) and harmful (red) sexual behaviours.

"We hope it will help parents talk to kids about their bodies and being safe, increase the comfort level and confidence," she said.

"I think parents feel really comfortable talking to kids about a number of issues but when it comes to sexuality, parents feel sensitive.

"I think we may have moved into a world where, when people think of childhood sexuality, they think of abuse, sexting behaviour or things going wrong.

"We're a bit more fearful about normal sexuality than we used to be."

Ms Brennan said while there was no definitive list of what was right or wrong, the book gave parents practical tools to assess their children's behaviour in each situation and to take appropriate action.

"A lot of parents just want reassurance what their child is doing is normal and age appropriate," she said.

Ms Brennan added the book would also help parents navigate topical issues arising with mobile and internet technologies.

She said these topics included "sexting", which involved sending sexual information, including naked or partly naked photos or videos, online or by mobile phone.

"While children can use their mobile phones and computers in positive and safe ways, parents need to be aware these technologies can expose their children to inappropriate materials and risk their safety or the safety of others," she said.

Sexual health advocate, GP and media communicator Dr Sally Cockburn (a.k.a. 'Dr Feelgood') said parents often needed help and 'Is this Normal?' was an easy-to-understand guide.

"While topics such as masturbation may sound outrageous to parents of young children, it is a behaviour that they should be aware of and know how to respond to appropriately."

The book is available to purchase from fpq.com.au.

A lot of parents just want reassurance what their child is doing is normal and age appropriate