The other day I talked to a longtime friend in Texas, whose 6th grade daughter, showing signs of anxiety and missing school, gave us a common ground for a small discussion. Last fall, my own 6th grade daughter showed signs of anxiety by having an overall body itch just before her oral presentation was due. I took her to the doctor to be told there was nothing wrong with her. Reading some of these recommended books and websites (see below) might prepare us for those situations.
This list of suggested reading material, compiled by the 5th grade team of educators at Frankfurt International School, had been given to us a while back, and I find it useful to be shared with other parents in similar situations.
Resources for Grade 5 Parents – for Growing Up Unit of Inquiry
Some books you might find helpful:
My Body, My Self for Boys, Revised Third Edition (What’s Happening to My Body?) by Lynda Madaras
Girl Stuff: A Survival Guide to Growing Up by Margaret Blackstone
My Body, My Self for Girls, Revised 2nd Edition (What’s Happening to My Body?) Workbook by Lynda Madaras
Changes in You and Me: A Book About Puberty Mostly for Boys by Paulette Bourgeois
What’s Going on Down There?: Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask by Chava Castro
The Feelings Book: The Care & Keeping of Your Emotions (American Girl) by Norm Bendell and Lynda Madison
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library) by Robie H. Harris
Let’s Talk: About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families & Friends (Lets Talk) by Robie H. Harris
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) by Valorie Schaefer
Asking About Sex and Growing Up: A Question-and-Answer Book for Boys and Girls by Joanna Cole
Girls Are Girls and Boys Are Boys: So What’s the Difference? by Sol Gordon
The Period Book, Updated Edition: Everything You Don’t Want to Ask (But Need to Know) by Karen Gravelle
How to Talk to Your Child About Sex: It’s Best to Start Early, but It’s Never Too Late — A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents by Linda Eyre, Richard M. Eyre
American Medical Association Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Teen by Amy B. Middleman
Below are some websites that you might find helpful as well (most have both parent and kids sections):