Featured Publications

Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Violence

In the wake of the devastating string of school shootings, Dominic Cappello, co-author of Can We Talk?, offers invaluable advice for parents on how to speak with their child about violence and keeping safe. In Ten Talks, Cappello outlines a series of ten easy-to-manage and engaging talks, including real life scenarios to which every child can relate. Topics include:

• Defining Violence
• Victims, Victimizer and Observers
• Violence in Families
• Dangerous Messages in the Media
• School Safety
• Keeping safe in the Neighborhood
• Talking about Weapons
• Violence on the Internet
• Finding Friends and Support
• Your Family's Beliefs

The creative, proven approach of this book comes from more than five years of experience working with parents, youth, educators and professionals in the field of violence prevention and parenting. Ten Talks offers practical steps and real words that will help parents prepare for an honest, direct, and possibly life-saving conversation with their children. To learn more about this book, and a sneak preview go to www.tentalks.com.

Its So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families

The author of Its Perfectly Normal, Robie Harris, provides the fascinating answers with comic book style artwork, and a clear, lively text that reflects an elementary school child's interest in science and how things work. Its So Amazing also addresses in an age appropriate way, related topics such as love, sex, gender, families, heterosexuality, homosexuality, sexual abuse and HIV and AIDS--all while giving children a health understanding of their bodies.

Online Resources

We are suggesting the following sites as potential resources, however this suggestions does not imply endorsement of these websites. These websites have information that relates to Can We Talk? and the philosophy of the program. They offer a variety of useful information about parenting, sexuality education, peer pressure around sexuality, and media literacy.

National Parent-Teacher Association - www.pta.org

Children First, the website of the National PTA, includes information on PTA membership, legislative activities, descriptions of each of their program areas including health and safety, on-line publications, discussion groups for parents and links to other parent and child advocacy websites.

National Parenting Information Network - www.npin.org

The purpose of NPIN is simply to offer a means for parents to exchange information and resources about parenting. The website offers lots of resources about publications, materials and brochures available for parents.

Family Education Network - www.familyeducation.com

This website offers parents an interactive opportunity that allows them to ask an expert panel of pediatricians, teachers and family therapists. The Network's website also has parent poll results, and printable activities for children.

Connect for Kids - www.connectforkids.org

Funded by three private foundations, the Connect for Kids site offer the latest information on child advocacy issues, including school safety, mental health, and parent involvement.

ABC Children First - www.abcchildrenfirst.com

Using media, ABC TV has launched the Children's First campaign to help inform the public about the challenges facing today's children, and what they can do to help. The site off a weekly "children first" update on parenting and family issues.

National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy - www.teenpregnancy.org

The Source on teen pregnancy prevention. Read the "Tips for…" section to get ideas for parents from the Campaign and from teens on how to help their children avoid teen pregnancy.

ChildrenNow - www.childrennow.org

Children Now is a non-profit organization that uses communications to create attention to bring about positive change for children. Check out the "Talking with Kids about Tough Issues" campaign that Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation have collaborated on!

Center for Media Literacy - www.medialit.org

The Center for Media Literacy creates and distributes educational materials and programs that encourage critical thinking about the media and mixed messages. Their website offers an on-line catalogue, updates on upcoming conferences and trainings, a review of new curricula and programs, and a media literacy listserve.

Advocates for Youth - www.advocatesforyouth.org

This non-profit organization creates programs and promotes policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Their website includes information about each of their programs including teen pregnancy prevention, peer education, HIV prevention, sexuality education, and legislative affairs around these issues.