You know had people go through periods of showing their age? You know what I mean, when statements like, "If I'd had this when I was younger then........."
Well, it's my turn. And I'm going to share with you two things that I REALLY should have had when I was a teenager.
These things aren't the latest technological advance or socio-political situations. The 2 things that I have recently seen and really wish I'd had when I was growing up are actually pieces of advice. Not the stuff your dad says after a couple of pints, we aren't talking "tap room philosophy" I mean simple, impartial, USEFUL advice.
First up (and I've briefly touched on this a while back) is the Haynes Manual of Sex. This is something I bought out of sheer curiosity a couple of years ago and was absolutely astounded by just how good it is.
It is laid out almost in the way that any other Haynes Manual is, and answers pretty much all of the questions that I had as a teeneager but; a) Was in NO WAY going to ask my parents and b) [quite rightly] would not trust a single one of my peer group to know themselves (even though there was always that one or two who insisted that THEY knew and spouted absolute rubbish.)
As a sex ed guide, with the embarrassing chats with your parents and the usual giggling through the school's attempt, this book is quite simply essential reading for any teenager. I'll be keeping my copy ready for when my offspring hit that awkward age and cannot tell you how much YOU will appreciate having it for yours!
Secondly is the off shoot of a television project. Many of you may have heard of Martin Lewis from MoneySavingExpert.com, which is a site which has saved me a HUGE amount of money and is surely up there on the list of "essential in your bookmarks" list.
He was asked by Tonight (the watered down World in Action) to turn a class of kids into "junior Money Saving Experts" So he put together a teaching pack and did his bit for the nation's entertainment.
After the lesson was televised they went back to see how they were getting on at home, and found that the 12 kids had saved their families over £5000 by implementing some of the lessons.
Seriously, don't take my word for it............. Actually, DO take my word for it, but also see for yourself. If you have teenagers then these guides are indispensible,. If you don't have teenagers????? These guides are still indispensible!
Simple, yet simply brilliant............... that's how everything should be!!!! 
