SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – There’s a new book being sold by an author who says parents can help shape their young children’s sexuality by instilling in them what she believes are correct principles.
Janice Graham is a writer who created a book she titled Wild Elephant, a book that’s geared towards young readers, but it is one that’s meant to be a guide for parents.
“I’m concerned about the rising generation, and young people are being fed a lot of distorted information about their growing sexuality, and I think we are failing as parents and as leaders to counteract those lies they are hearing.”
As a mother, Graham struggled with her son’s homosexuality.
“It was a very difficult time for our family.”
She began writing a book other parents could use to help shape their young children’s sexuality. Chapters titled, “Me Tarzan, You Jane”, are written to be read by parents to their children ages 10 and older. It’s an approach Dr. Douglas Goldsmith, a child’s psychologist, does not agree with.
“If a child grows up and makes the decision for an alternative lifestyle, they have kind of slammed the door, because the child knows how they feel. It’s going to tough for that child to communicate with them and have a harmonious relationship.”
He cautions parents to instead focus on teaching their young ones how to develop healthy relationships.
“To me it’d almost seem like it was brainwashing,” says Steven Walker, an openly gay man. He thinks children are too young to be bombarded with any messages about their sexuality.
“I think they should be reading jungle book and enjoying the happiest time of their lives instead of worried about sexual issues.”
Justin Pendleton, a father, says, “I think every parent has to tow the line between well do I try and push them towards this, or do I allow for their individuality, and I think there has to be a balance between the two for sure.”
Ann Riding, a mother, tells ABC 4, “I think that our world is too focused on making it acceptable for homosexuality.”
It’s the same fear leading Graham to write the book. She is hoping it helps parents steer their young children towards a life of heterosexuality.
The book has gone mainstream. Walmart is selling it in their stores in the intermountain west.
