Book Review
A short overview of this book
The Trouble With Secrets by Karen Johnsen is a book that is just about secrets. It helps kids to tell the difference between secrets and surpises, and gives lots of different examples of what would be a secret or surprise.
An important part of protective behaviours is to talk to children about secrets (secrets can be a part of the grooming process for child sexual abuse). Which is why books about secrets are important, as they can help parents to start these important conversations.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 4 to 10 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of The Trouble With Secrets by Karen Johnsen from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue, I’m Cath Hak, your friendly sex educator. On my YouTube channel and website, Sex Ed Rescue, I review a bunch of books that can help parents have important conversations about sex education and preventing sexual abuse. Today, I want to talk about a book called The Trouble With Secrets by Karen Johnsen. It’s been around since 1986, but you can still easily find it.
Now, secrets are a big deal when it comes to preventing sexual abuse. You see, abusers don’t want their victims to tell anyone about what’s happening, so they try to make them keep it a secret. As a parent, it’s crucial to keep our kids safe from abuse by having conversations about secrets. That way, our kids are more likely to come to us if something is wrong, and we can take action to protect them.
The Trouble With Secrets is a tiny little book, but it’s packed with valuable lessons. It teaches kids when to share secrets, when to keep them, and who to share them with. If a secret is worrying or hurting you inside, it’s important to tell someone who will listen and help you. On the other hand, if a secret makes you feel good, you can keep it until the right time to share it.
The book gives lots of examples to help kids understand. For instance, if you accidentally hurt yourself while using your dad’s tools, don’t keep it a secret. Tell him right away so he can help you. But if you buy a present for your mom, keeping it a secret until she opens it can be a fun surprise.
It also talks about good touches and bad touches. If someone hurts you, even if they tell you not to tell anyone, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. The book covers different scenarios and helps kids understand the difference between touches that make them feel good and touches that make them feel bad.
There’s even a section on stranger danger. If someone offers you a treat to go with them, don’t keep it a secret. Run away and tell a grown-up. The book also touches on body safety, explaining that it’s okay for a doctor to examine you with your clothes off if your parent is there, but it’s not okay if someone wants you to take your clothes off or touch you in an uncomfortable way.
Lastly, the book addresses a tricky situation where one of your parents shares a secret with you and tells you not to tell the other parent. It can be confusing and worrying, so it’s important to let both parents know if something doesn’t feel right.
The Trouble With Secrets is just one of many books out there that can help you start conversations with your kids about protective education, preventing sexual abuse, and keeping secrets. Remember, no book is perfect, so feel free to adapt the language to what you’re comfortable with using. And if you need more resources, check out the other books recommended in the back.
I hope this review has been helpful in guiding you towards important discussions with your kids. Cheers!
