My Body What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders

Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue with Cath Hak. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called My Body, What I Say Goes by Janine Sanders. This book is all about empowering and teaching children about personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, consent, and respectful relationships. It’s a great resource for parents who want an easy way to talk to their kids about love, sex, relationships, and growing up.

Now, let’s dive into the book. The second edition has some awesome new artwork and more inclusive language, which is a big plus. The story revolves around a character named Stevie, who learns about keeping their body safe and using their voice to speak up.

The book starts by discussing feelings, which is an important part of sex education. It’s crucial for kids to recognize and express their emotions, especially when it comes to feeling safe or unsafe. The book gives examples like swimming with water wings or being close to a trusted adult. It also covers situations that might make them feel unsafe, such as being chased by a dog or dealing with bullying.

Next, it talks about early warning signs that our bodies give us when we’re in an unsafe situation. It’s essential for kids to know these signs and to tell a trusted adult if they experience them. The book also introduces the concept of a safety network, which consists of five people that children can talk to if they’re feeling worried or unsafe. This way, if one person doesn’t take action, they can turn to someone else who will.

The book then moves on to discussing private parts. It explains that everyone’s body looks different and that we all have private parts. It’s important to use the correct names for these body parts, even though some people might use funny names. The book mentions that boys usually have a penis, testicles, and a bottom, but I personally prefer to include nipples too, as they are part of the body and can be important to discuss as kids grow older.

The book emphasizes that no one should touch a child’s private parts and that they belong only to them. It also provides clear steps to take if someone does touch their private parts or wants to see them. And remember, it’s crucial to know that a child is never, ever to blame if someone acts in an unsafe way.

Another important topic covered in the book is secrets and surprises. It emphasizes that we shouldn’t keep secrets about our bodies and explains the importance of personal boundaries and asking for consent before touching someone else.

The book wraps up with a powerful reminder that it’s their body and what they say goes. It also includes discussion questions at the end to help parents extend the conversation and get even more out of the book.

Overall, I really like this book. There are a couple of things I would change, like including nipples in the discussion of private parts and using more inclusive language. But hey, that’s just my personal preference. The book is still a valuable resource for teaching kids about body safety and promoting healthy sexuality.

So, if you’re looking for a book that can help you have important conversations with your kids about love, sex, relationships, and growing up, I highly recommend My Body, What I Say Goes by Janine Sanders. It’s a great tool to empower and educate children. Cheers!