It’s back to school time and kids across the country are preparing for a new year of science, language, and math classes. But there’s another course that lays a healthy foundation for your children’s health and development that is usually missing out:  comprehensive sex education.

Comprehensive sex ed is a crucial aspect of a well-rounded education, which equips students with accurate information, critical skills, and shame-free attitudes toward their own bodies and relationships. In this article, we will not just tackle the essential back-to-school list that you normally have but also the ones you’ve likely missed out on for preschoolers, tweens, and even thoughtful items for moms. 

Back-to-School List for Preschoolers:

When children are 2-5 years old they are learning about what everything is, why wouldn’t they also learn about their body and its anatomy? Children are very open to learning about anything. If you can be matter-of-fact, honest, and age-appropriate, children will be curious to learn more and open to healthy discussions. Here are some essentials that should not be missed by preschoolers.

Introduce Anatomically Correct Body Parts:

1. Paper Doll 3x Bundle – Families, Friends, & Super Heroes (Printable)

Your favorite childhood paper dolls just got a modern makeover! Featuring people with all anatomies and families in all flavors, our Paper Doll books help your child to see the world’s diversity. This bundle features all 3 of our beloved paper doll books for hours of happy play. Each book contains a collection of naked bodies with traditionally male, female, and “draw your own” anatomy. It’s a gentle introduction to the idea that our bodies are similar, but also different.

2. Yoni Magic: The Amazing Truth

Join My Little Yoni as she explains the natural wonder of female anatomy! As a superhero, she's here to help you bust vulva shame by telling you the facts. A wonderful resource for parents hoping to introduce the subject of sex education in a fun, shame-free way. For Ages 3+.

 3. Yoni Magic: The Spectacular Truth

Order our new book, The Spectacular Truth. A companion book to Yoni Magic: The Amazing Truth, detailing assigned male anatomy. For Ages 3+.

Learning Body Positivity:

5. I Love All of Me (Wonderful Me) - Board Book

Playful illustrations feature toddlers loving their bodies from “arms that squeeze” to “bendy knees” and “tummy bump” to “waggle rump.” I can imagine some of the clever descriptions like “kissy lips” and “dancing hips” becoming catchphrases after a few reads.

6. Bodies Are Cool (Audiobook) WRITTEN & NARRATED BY: Tyler Feder

This body positivity book for preschoolers is a joyful listen.

From the way a body jiggles to the scars a body bears, this book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning of this truly inclusive audiobook. With its exuberant refrain, this book will instill body positivity and confidence in the youngest of readers.

Fun / Comforting Item:

6. Make a statement everywhere you go with our My Little Yoni Bag charm! This versatile accessory for both kids and moms is more than just a key holder – it's a fashion statement! Crafted with premium materials and eye-catching details, our MLY Bag Charm effortlessly complements any bag, from totes to backpacks.

Back-to-School List for Tweens:

Tweens, typically aged between 8 and 12, are on the cusp of adolescence. Here are some essential lists tailored to their developmental stage.

 1. The Dot Girl First Period Kit® - 

Everything a girl needs for her first period, including information and supplies all packed in a sturdy neoprene bag that may be used month after month to store supplies.

2. Teena   A must-have product for girls that will help them period ready! Teena App is here to help by making period tracking accurate and educating you on what’s going on inside the body in real time.

3. Girls First Period Information Printables | Tween Period Tracker | Girl's Period Guides

Our First Menstrual Cycle Printable offers clear and age-appropriate information about menstruation, including what to expect, how to manage menstrual hygiene, and tips for self-care.

4. Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys

From early childhood boys often feel pressured to be athletic and muscular. But what impact does this have on physical and mental well-being through their teens and beyond? Worryingly, a third of teen boys are trying to ‘bulk up’ due to body dissatisfaction, and boys and men account for 25% of eating disorder cases. 

What can we tell our boys to help them feel happy and confident by simply being themselves? Being You has the answers! It’s an easy-to-read, evidence-based guide to developing a positive body image for boys aged 12+.

Workshop + Courses for Tweens and their Parents

5. A Kid's Guide to Bodies and Babies (Online)

This interactive course is about our bodies, how babies are made, and more. It is ideal for both parents/carers to do together with their pre-teens but can also be completed by a child on their own. There are two separate courses for children aged 7-9 years or 9-12 years. Purchase the course for only AUD $59.

6. Growing Into You!™: Puberty Workshop (Online)

We are excited to have your family join us for this fun way to learn about bodies and puberty! 

Note: You only need to purchase one ticket for your family, not a separate ticket for each family member that is joining. We do not provide refunds for registration fees. If your family is unable to attend after registering, please contact us to request a rescheduling to a future date.  We accommodate one reschedule request at no additional cost.

Back-to-School List for Moms:

As the back-to-school season approaches, the focus often turns towards ensuring children are prepared for their academic journey. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it's important not to overlook the needs of their moms.

Enhanced Well-being:

Treat yourself to a small self-care item to unwind during your time away at school.

1. Indulge in self-care, one sip at a time! Whatever the flavor of your geeky parenting, enjoy a beverage in a 14 oz GeekMom Mug, specially crafted for moms who deserve a moment of tranquility. Let the soothing warmth of your favorite brew embrace you, as you take a well-deserved break from the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

Sip, savor, and get lost in the world of fascinating stories, inspiring interviews, and endless knowledge.

2. Good Moms Bad Choices ep. My Little Vagina Stuffed Animal  

Together they discuss how early introductions to women’s magic gateways can combat toxic masculinity and why conversations about women’s anatomy can potentially change the way women view themselves and how boys and men view women and sex.  Erica & Milah are our favorite podcast hosts and sex-positive moms, so subscribe to their entire series! 

3. Book: A Good Mom's Guide to Making Bad Choices

The creators of the beloved podcast Good Moms Bad Choices challenge outdated notions of what being a “good” mother truly means—inviting moms of all kinds to embark on a healing journey that unlearns old scripts about motherhood and shows that you can be a little bad and still do a lot of good for your kids and yourself.

Scheduled Self-Care Time:

4. Soothe Calming Cream

This impeccably crafted cream is formulated with Arnica Montana, which helps soothe sore muscles, bumps, and bruises. Comfrey calms tissue discomfort while helping to treat redness, irritation, itching, and swelling. It’s formulated for the most sensitive, absorbent skin on the body and can be used from head to toe.

This three-in-one arousal serum invites natural lubrication, plumping and tingling to the labia. Arouse is formulated with plant aphrodisiacs like Maca, Damiana, and Spilanthes Acmella (Buzz Button) which help generate a tingling and warming sensation to stimulate arousal.

Delegate and Seek Help:

It's a practical way to alleviate some of the stress and create space for self-care.

6. The SOS Call

On those days when parenting finds you trembling in a corner… send an SOS to the parent’s emergency service.

We don’t know why nobody has thought of it before. The SOS service is designed for parents who need to talk to a sexual health expert'

Founder of Sex Ed Rescue and multi-qualified nurse, sexual health therapist, and educator, Cath Hakinson is an expert on sexual health, birth, and relationships. She’s seen everything (twice). And she’s here to help you navigate stormy weeks and months in your parenting journey, with a steady hand and a sensible outlook.

As the back-to-school season unfolds, let's recognize the value of comprehensive sex education for preschoolers, tweens, and moms. By embracing age-appropriate discussions about bodies, relationships, consent, and reproductive health, we create a foundation of understanding, respect, and empowerment for all involved. By fostering open communication and informed decision-making, we equip preschoolers, tweens, and moms with the tools they need to navigate life's complexities with confidence, empathy, and a healthy sense of self.