Changes

Topics: changes, families, new baby.

Fiction

When Joseph's mother comes home, says his father, things are going to change. And so they do, in the most extraordinary ways. This book explores the changes to Joseph's life when his parents bring home his baby sister.

Ages: 4 to 11 years.

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul

A collection of short stories, anecdotes, poems and cartoons which present a positive outlook on life (8 to 12 years). Topics: courage, hope, laughter.

Donor Conception Network

Booklets and films written for children about conception via donor.

Emily's blue period

Topics: emotional literacy, sadness, change, families, divorce

Fiction

Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up. Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing. She is going through her 'blue period'. A book about a young child dealing with her parent's divorce.

Ages: 4 to 8 years.

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. The website also provides lots of valuable information for kids and parents.

Let's talk about the birds and the bees

Non-fiction

Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations. 

Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)

Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.

Let's talk about where babies come from

Non-fiction

Comics and cartoons outlining:  similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves. 

Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.

Age: 7 to 11 years.

Safe4Kids

Safe4Kids provides training and resources in protective behaviours (child abuse prevention education). Services include: Teacher PD, student workshops, parent workshops.

The Freedom Centre

The Freedom Centre supports young people (under 26), families and communities to be healthy, happy and informed about diverse sexuality, sex and gender. They host drop in spaces and peer support for young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer and Questioning.