Birds and Bees

[glatt]

In my opinion, there is no such thing as too young. Although if they are very young, you may have to repeat it again when they are older so they get it.

It's science/nature. Kids are curious about science/nature. They don't have the baggage about it that we do, because they are not sexual themselves yet. Just tell her how the system works. It's like anything else. If you would tell her how water evaporates, goes into the clouds, and comes down as rain to be evaporated again, then you should tell her about this too. It's all just about learning.

The hubba hubba sex part is something that she will pick up as she gets older and matures. Right now, it's simply about mechanics.

I told my son when he was 3 (or maybe 4) and my daughter when she was 6. It just came up in conversation and they both learned about it at the same time. The three year old thought it was funny that grown-ups would do that, and the 6 year old was just quiet and thought about it. Since then, we've checked a kids sex ed book out of the library for my daughter (who is 8 now) so she can read it on her own. She's more curious now. The boy isn't that curious about it now, but he knows the gist of it.

[glatt]

Originally Posted by glatt

if they are very young, you may have to repeat it again when they are older so they get it.

The only thing I would add is to say that I absolutely plan to be discussing this topic again in the future. I just wanted to be nonchalant about it in order to not make a big deal out of it. I hit all the big points, and plan to fill in around the edges as the topic comes up in the future.

For me, the big points (not really in order) were:

1. It's something moms and dads do to make babies.

2. It actually feels really good, but again is only for grownups. (Wanted to stay positive and avoid giving them something to worry about "How will I ever do THAT? Will it hurt?")

3. Also explained that much of it happens automatically, just like your mouth waters when you open a bag of chips. (Trying again to give them the sense that it's not something to fear or worry about without saying "don't fear" or "don't worry".)

4. The mechanics of it, of course.

5. It's a private areas kind of thing, so don't go talking about it outside the family. Let other parents tell their own kids.

I kept it short. Tried to keep it interesting. Less than 5 minutes. Maybe 2-3 minutes.

[Griff]

I take advantage of the fact that we have pets and farm animals that are making baby critters. That takes care of the process but then you have to build the construct about your child expressing her sexuality appropriately within the construct of your belief system. good luck