Front Porch Growing Up

Growing Up/Sex Ed./Relationships
Note: Blue links connect to places you can buy the resource

Books/Websites For Kids/Teens

In developmental order. We apologize that it tends more toward girls, but when we come across more good boy resources, we will add them.

Children's Sexual Behavior from the Parenting and Child and Youth Health website
It's So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families This is an illustrated book packed with information. A great start to a healthy discussion of the topic.
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) by Valorie Schaefer.
The Care & Keeping of You Journal This Journal has great fill in the blank sections and things for girls to think about about themselves.
Periods from the Parenting and Child and Youth Health website
The "What's Happening to My Body" Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras. A good basic book about puberty.
The "What's Happening to My Body" Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras. A good basic book about puberty.
How to Talk to Girls A simple book for younger boys who are just starting to want to talk to girls
200 Ways to Raise a Boy's Emotional Intelligence: An Indispensable Guide for Parents, Teachers & Other Concerned Caregivers Practical ideas that help boys, like teaching them more words for specific emotions instead of just happy, sad and angry.
Talking Sex with Teens from the Parenting and Child and Youth Health website
Sexual and Reproductive Health of Teenagers from the Parenting and Child and Youth Health website
Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up EXCELLENT basic book.
My Child is Gay! Now What Do I Do? This website helps parents of gay youth.
Sex Etc. from Rutgers University. This website answers questions with facts.
Planned Parenthood Teen Talk
STD Facts Brochure ETR Associates Title #153. This lists what to watch for, how you get it and what happens if you don't get treated.
STD Facts Website from the US Council on Disease Control
Condom Basics: A User's Guide Brochure ETR Associates Title #H273.
Hooking Up A book of short stories by teens about dating. Great for discussion.
Am I Ready? A book of short stories by teens about all the considerations they must make before deciding when to have sex.
Cosmo Girl Quiz Book: All About You
Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit (Girlosophy series) This is a beautiful book for teens. Well written and photographed. Not too much writing on any page so a quick and meaningful read.
Girlosophy 2: The Love Survival Kit (Girlosophy series) (Vol 2)
CosmoGIRL! Quiz Book : All About Guys
The Morning After A book of short stories by teens about the consequences of sex.
Girlosophy: The Breakup Survival Kit (Girlosophy series)

Places in/around Detroit

Birth Control, Condoms, HIV and STD Testing, Pregnancy Testing at: these City of Detroit Health Department Clinics:

Herman Keifer 1151 Taylor 313-876-4826

Northeast Health Center 5400 E. 7 Mile 313-870-3054

Grace Ross 14585 Greenfield 313-870-3094

Everyone provided service regardless of ability to pay.

Planned Parenthood offers all of the above and more: 4229 Cass 313-831-7776.

Alternatives for Girls has a program for girls who are involving themselves in risky behavior. 313-361-4000.

Specifically for Gay and Lesbian teens: Affirmations , Ruth Ellis Center and Parents and Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays,The Trevor Project (crisis and suicide prevention for gay, lesbian and questioning youth 1-866-488-7386