Agency, libraries help with delicate subject

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It's a subject many mothers and fathers are uncomfortable discussing with their children, but the Aiken Teen Pregnancy Prevention program has provided some resources to help parents talk about sex.

"October is Let's Talk Month. It's been around for about 25 years and is observed across the country to encourage parents to talk with their kids about sex," said Andrea Usry, who works for the organization.

Aiken Teen Pregnancy Prevention has joined with the Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield Regional Library system to provide books that will help parents.

"There are books for parents of preschoolers, elementary school students, middle school, teens, on up the line. These books are for the parents," Ms. Usry said.

Some of the books have a Christian perspective for parents who want to incorporate their beliefs into the discussion. Others are written from a secular point of view. More than a dozen books are available to parents.

Two of the books donated to the libraries don't focus entirely on sexuality.

Dr. David Walsh's books, Why Do They Act That Way? and No, Why Kids - of All Ages - Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It, cover a wider array of parenting concerns.

"These cover all the bases," Ms. Usry said.

She said she hopes this will be the first of more collaborations with the library system; she would like to start a book-discussion group.

Most of the donated books are at the Aiken County Library and the Nancy Carson Library in North Augusta. A limited number may be found in outlying areas.

For a complete list of books available, call (803) 441-0016 or visit

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at

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