Better Sex Blog » sex education

NY Post and Kosher Sex

Barbara Gross, LMSW — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:23 +0000

In the New York Post this week there was an article about a new online site selling vibrators to the religious Jewish community. I love to see vibrators in mass media publications; the fact that there was a wide range of opinions discussed in the article from within that community adds even more value. At the Center we see many religious Jews and many of them struggle with issues around their sexuality. Some women feel that exploring their sexuality is wrong for religious reasons. Many feel they must check with their rabbis about what behaviors are acceptable. Luckily some women have rabbis that support them to explore their sexuality in a multitude of ways, but unfortunately not all have that experience. For those women we need to work within the confines of what they are allowed to do.

The site is simple and only carries a few of each kind of product (such as vibrators and lubricants), but it’s a good beginning for couples looking to expand their sexual experiences. It’s a safe place for online anonymous questions (that will be answered by a sex therapist), an aspect I find particularly important for this community where most individuals do not have access to a lot of sex education. I also suggest that if an individual or a couple is having any issues with pain or struggling with any other element of their sexual relationship that they reach out for help. We help many individuals and couples, and believe whole-heartedly that there is no reason to suffer when it comes to sex.

Talking to your kids about sex… and laughing about it.

Bat Sheva Marcus LMSW MPH PhD — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:10:14 +0000

I admit it. I receive many, many jokes, stories and youtube clips from friends, family and patients that deal with sex and how challenging it is to discuss sex with kids and teens. Would you expect otherwise? However, this clip from Julia Sweeney had me laughing out loud. Not only is it funny and wise but it felt so very real. For all those parents out there who are a bit daunted about talking about sex with your kids… and let’s face it, who is NOT a little bit daunted, I encourage you to watch it. It is rare that I think one is worth passing on, but this certainly is.

http://youtu.be/Ry-LwxR746s

And please don’t let it DISCOURAGE YOU!!!

Just remember… (and this clip reminds you) the most important thing to do is to retain a sense of humor at all costs.

Enjoy.

Straightforward Pictures for Kids

Bat Sheva Marcus LMSW MPH PhD — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:59:06 +0000

Under the heading of “giving kids straightforward and clear information,” this book, from Germany does just that!

I think it could not be much clearer as to how a baby is conceived and born – and personally I think the pictures are cute to boot.

So consider downloading it and keeping it for when your kids says something like “I don’t understand how the sperm and the egg get together…”
http://www.planetdan.net/pics/babies/index.htm

Preach what they’ll practice!

Shannon Bertha, ACS, PhD — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:49:08 +0000

In Wisconsin, the DA warns sexual educators about what to teach

Talking to the youth of today about sexuality is extremely important. Sex sells everything on TV yet we are afraid to have an intelligent, informative conversation about it? In Wisconsin, this debate has hit home threatening to arrest teachers who don’t teach abstinence, or who don’t tell kids to wait until they get married to have sex. The problem with this policy is that it mandates ONLY teaching abstinence and teaching nothing else. Abstinence is a great option, but it isn’t the only one, in fact 95% of the population chooses to have intercourse before marriage. It is important to give our kids the proper tools and education they need to live in the world today.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_sex_ed_wisconsin

a humorous moment… if a bit embarrassing…

Bat Sheva Marcus LMSW MPH PhD — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:04:15 +0000

Click here to see a rather humorous and embarrassing video. A woman was testifying for an agency hearing on text books in Texas. She was testifying against comprehensive sex education and was using herself as an example of how one can get to 56 be “technically” a virgin but still have had sexual pleasure. After her “full disclosure,” she was informed that she had shown up on the wrong night!

So, it is true that I’m having fun at this poor women’s expense but I guess some of us who are incredibly frustrated with the poor sex education in this country are feeling a wee bit gratified. The bottom line is that in those US area where residents have more conservative religious beliefs there are teenagers giving birth. Click here for more details.

Sex education only helps: helps reduce STDs, helps reduce teenage pregnancies, helps reduce teenage angst!

I love teenagers!

Bat Sheva Marcus LMSW MPH PhD — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:45:00 +0000

I just went into a high school to give their 1.5 hours of sex ed. Truthfully, I think we covered the basics and I try to remember that there are only so many take-away messages that anyone can handle at any given moment. But what I love about talking to teens is that once they get over their initial shyness and once there is some sense of trust established in the room, they ask the best questions. Here’s one. She “So what happens if you don’t have simultaneous orgasms.” Me (clearly out of touch with popular culture on this one.) “hun?” (See post below where I admit to not having a tv set.) She: “you know, what happens if two people don’t have orgasms at the same time. Me (recovering from my surprise… quite impressively I may add.) “Oh, most people don’t have simultaneous orgasms. That’s something the movies made up to be more efficient on the time. It happens sometimes, but usually, it happens because the two partners know each other very well, have made love before, and are specifically timing it that way. Most often one person has an orgasm ahead of the other person, and honey, if it’s one of us girls we might even go for a second!” A number of them looked surprised. I (once again) felt stupid…. but the conversation continued from there in all kinds of fascinating directions. I love teenagers.