Parents are the primary sex educators of their children beginning with giving them messages of love, trust and respect from infancy onward.  When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of talking about bodies, reproduction and sexuality, though, many parents can use a little help.   That's where PPSD's REAL LIFE, REAL TALK programs come in.

We can provide a variety of programs and workshops that will equip you and your child with facts and a shared experience you can use as the basis of an ongoing dialogue about growing up, sexuality, values and expectations.  The best way to help teens make responsible decisions, prevent teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections is a strong, caring family and accurate age-appropriate information.

Search our list of programs to find one that fits your needs, or contact us for an individual consultation or customized workshop.  For questions or scheduling a workshop contact Beth Zacovic, bzacovic@ppshastadiablo.org, or phone (925) 887-5327.

List of Programs

• Parent Talk: Hearts, Bodies and Minds
• Parents and K-1st Graders: My Body, Myself
• Parents and Pre-Teens: Preparation for Puberty
• Parents and Young Teens: Teen Talk
• Parents and Children with Developmental Disabilities
• Individual Consultations
• Customized Workshops

Hearts, Bodies and Minds

What does it mean to be your child's primary sexuality educator?  This workshop for parents explores the basics of good communication, finding "teachable moments", and becoming "askable".  It allows parents to examine some of the factors that can make talking about sex difficult, allows parents to practice answering questions based on real life scenarios, and gives them information about books, videos and other tools that can aid communication.  For parents of any age child, birth through teens. (1 1/2 - 2 hours)

My Body, Myself (Kindergarten - 1st Graders and Parents) 

Through simple communication exercises and fun interactive games children and parents will learn basic anatomy, practice good decision-making skills, learn the concept of "circles" of family, friend, acquaintances and strangers, and have a chance to talk about all kinds of feelings. (1 1/2 hours)

Preparation for Puberty (Preteens and Parents) 

Parents and children begin a dialogue which will continue through adolescence.  Participants will learn about the physical changes that boys and girls go through during puberty and will receive age-appropriate information about sex and sexuality.  Each workshop includes parent-child communications exercises, an explanation of male and female reproductive anatomy, the opportunity to drop anonymous questions into "The Question Box", and a game which encourages the sharing of ideas and feelings.  Both parents and children receive take-home packets of information about puberty and a bibliography of educational materials. (3 1/2 hours)

Young Teen Workshop (Teens 12-15 and Parents) 

Parents and teens explore their values about dating, risk taking, and appropriate/inappropriate sexual activities and examine obstacles to communication about sex and sexuality.  The workshop also gives an overview of birth control methods and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). (4 hours)

Sexual Safety for People with Developmental Disabilities (Teens and Parents)

We offer two, three and four-part curricula for groups of individuals with developmental disabilities.  The programs discuss anatomy and reproduction, public and private behavior, right and wrong touch, refusal skills and circles of relationships.  Programs can be scheduled in transition classes, group homes and day programs - in most cases the facilitator comes to you.  (length varies)  We additionally offer training regarding sexuality for caregivers, professionals and aides working with developmentally disabled individuals.

Individual Consultations

Sometimes family sexuality issues don't fit neatly into a workshop category.  For individualized help PPSD offers free, confidential consultations with a health educator either over the phone or by appointment at our Resource and Education Center in Concord.

Customized Workshops

Planned Parenthood health educators can work with you to develop a workshop tailored to the needs of your group.  Examples of customized workshops include; Spanish Language Programs, Spirituality and Sexuality and Older Teens and Responsible Choices.