Making Sense of "It": A Guide to Sex for Teens (and Their Parents, Too!) (Paperback)

Description

---

"Making Sense if 'It' is the Our Bodies, Our Selves for today: comprehensive, unbiased, medically accurate, and respectful. This should be on the bookshelf and nightstand of every household." --Pat Paluzzi, DrPH, CNM, President and CEO Healthy Teen Network

Maybe you learned about sex in school--anatomy, pregnancy, and STIs, right? You might think you've learned all there is to know, but there's so much more to sex than just "doing it." What about masturbation, is that OK? Are you dirty for having sexual fantasies? What about kissing, giving a blowjob, or taking the pill--are they safe? What if you touch someone's penis, can you get pregnant? If you douche after sex, you won't get pregnant . . . right?

Making Sense of "It" goes beyond the basics of the birds and the bees to give teens a realistic, no-holds barred, nonjudgmental guide on everything to do with sex and sexuality. With this book, teens can learn about it all, from the best contraception methods to what to expect at a clinic and the signs of an unhealthy relationship. Alison Macklin draws on her years of experience at Planned Parenthood to address everything teens want to and should know in a straightforward, open-minded, and sex-positive manner. Even better, "Conversation Starters" in each chapter give teens and parents a chance to test their knowledge and useful tips to help talk about sex in a way that works for them.

In a world where teens are bombarded with bad information on social media and are made to feel ashamed of something so natural, Making Sense of "It" offers trustworthy, gender-neutral advice on how to be safe, informed, and honest about "it".

About the Author

---

Alison Macklin has been with the Responsible Sex Education Institute at the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM) for over fourteen years and is currently vice president of education and innovation. Macklin is an award-winning, nationally recognized leader in sex education and holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Denver. She is a mother of two who lives in Colorado.

Praise For…

---

"This book distills so much useful information for young people (and their parents) and delivers it in a supportive, judgment-free tone. The conversation starters will make this a go-to resource for families wanting to take the mystery--and the awkwardness--out of talking about sex." --Nicole Cushman, MPH, Executive Director, Answer
— Reviews

"This book provides excellent information about sexual health and important advice for staying healthy and having good relationships. The overview of sex and sexuality will be extremely useful for teens and parents alike." --Connie Newman, MD, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, and President 2018-2019 American Medical Women's Association
— Reviews

"Making Sense if 'It' is the Our Bodies, Our Selves for today: comprehensive, unbiased, medically accurate, and respectful. This should be on the bookshelf and nightstand of every household so that caregivers and youth alike can read it, discuss it, and learn from it. A reliable resource for all things related to sexual and reproductive health." --Pat Paluzzi, DrPH, CNM, President and CEO Healthy Teen Network
— Reviews

"I loved it! Alison Macklin offers teen readers honest, engaging, and at times humorous information about puberty, sex and sexuality. The book is chock-full of useful suggestions for parents as well, providing tips to start conversations with their teens and keep the lines of communication open during the sometimes bumpy road through puberty and adolescence." --Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth
— Reviews

"In this rapidly changing world of sexuality, gender and relationships Alison Macklin's new book is just the resource teens need be ready for the wonderful world of sex and relationships. With her smarts, experience, and guidance, teens of all genders and orientations will get just what they need to make great choices." --Amy Lang, MA, founder Birds & Bees & Kids and author, Dating Smarts - What Every Teen Needs to Date, Relate or Wait!
— Reviews

"This book is a must read for all teenagers and parents of teens, about a subject that is often hard to talk about: sex. Author Alison Macklin gives great, practical, actionable advice on how to keep communication open and honest." --Jason Woods MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, creator of Little Patients, Big Medicine
— Reviews

"Kudos to Alison Macklin for creating a book to help parents and teens talk more honestly and frequently about sex and sexuality. We know that when parents and teens communicate more about these topics, teens make healthier decisions. This fun, up to date, accurate and easy to understand guide will help families to connect more about these absolutely critical issues." --Leslie M. Kantor, PhD, MPH, Vice President, Education, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
— Reviews

"This is a book that should be introduced to tweens and revisited often with teens by parents, keeping an open conversation throughout the growing years." --Jennifer Lambert, A Sacred Balance
— Jennifer Lambert