How I Found the Perfect Book for Discussing Tough Topics with Kids
Once, I wrote an article about how Sasha asks a thousand and one questions about where babies come from, how boys and girls are made, and so on. I’ve never lied to her or dodged the topic, but I struggled to find the right way to present this information. Then, I found a solution!
Recently, I visited a store called “Znayka” (a fantastic shop filled with high-quality educational toys and games for children). While I was there, I stumbled upon an amazing book that I ended up reading for half an hour: “An Honest Conversation About This” or the first sex education book for our kids. I’ve never held a better book in my hands. It’s quite thick (about 0.6 inches) and covers all the important aspects of a child’s life through the story of a brother and sister!
The illustrations are delightful—truly funny and comical (not photographs, since at that age, it’s not always necessary to see everything in full detail). For instance, in the section about childbirth, there’s a drawing of an elephant trying to squeeze through a doorway—it’s perfectly placed and genuinely amusing. The book vividly describes adolescence, the feelings of falling in love, family relationships, the arrival of a new baby, and crucial topics that I honestly underestimated and hadn’t thought much about—like physical violence and various forms of harassment. There’s even a picture of children holding signs that say “No means No!” and “Hands Off!” emphasizing the importance of saying “No!” if something doesn’t feel right.
This book is truly fantastic! We threw a little celebration for Alexey and Sasha when we brought it home—picking them up from school and daycare just to present it to them. We first let them flip through the pages and look at the pictures, and then we set aside time to read it together. They listened, laughed, and asked questions—without being disruptive or turning it into a joke. Alexey sat quietly, taking it all in, while Sasha was, of course, a bit more distracted. But how wonderful it is that the information is presented as a story! Honestly, I found it incredibly interesting to read myself. I think I’m catching up on what I missed in childhood, when I had to figure everything out on my own, running to friends’ houses who had any books or magazines, and feeling like a complete “fool” at 15.
So, I’m keeping my promise and sharing this experience. Have a book like this at home—read it together, give your child the chance to look through it on their own, and never lie. It’s better to say less but maintain trust. After all, you are the most important person in your child’s life.