Stephanie Tacker

We learned about this book through the “Our Whole Lives” program at the Unitarian Universalist church, which is a comprehensive sex ex program taught at multiple grade levels. I hope that the people who are railing against this book understand that knowledge is power. Actually, I’m worried that many of them DO understand this, and are afraid of children having agency over their own bodies instead of just doing what adults tell them. Kids who don’t understand anything about their bodies are at a disadvantage, they are more likely to end up pregnant/getting someone pregnant, contract STIs, and if they see their body as shameful, they are less likely to report abuse. My children have known the proper names for their body parts and how they worked since grade school. I promise, it is much easier to talk about this stuff without embarrassment (on their part at least), if you start early, with simple, factual information. I’ve never worried about someone grooming one of my kids because they know what to look out for. I’m not trying to raise perpetual children here. I’m raising future competent adults. As for the people who are in an uproar about this book, how many of you have unsecured handguns at home? How many allow your kids to ride a bike without a helmet? How many don’t require your kids to wear a seatbelt EVERY time they are in a car? How many have told your kids that “stranger danger” may be real, but that most kids are molested by someone they know-often a family member or trusted friend? Focus on *actual* dangers to your kids if you really want to protect them.