Comments on: Let’s talk about sex – for six-year-olds

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:17:35 +0000

Today at the cooperative preschool Skyler wandered into the boys’ toilet room at potty break and promptly stood beside the boy’s urinal to watch her friend E pee, her face just a picture of curiosity. I happened to walk past on my way to the girls’ and just WHOOPED with surprise, gently pulled her away and told her she needed to give people privacy to pee. It wasn’t even sexual but man, kids are curious.

“E has a funny porchay Mommy” she said. “Porchay” is a Malaysian Chinese word for vagina. Trying not to laugh has got to one of the top ten hardest things about parenting.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:25:47 +0000

Oh, they are kind of like the modern day version of “Where Did I Come From?” if any of you remember that one! I certainly do!

By: Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:25:08 +0000

“It’s so Amazing!” and “It’s Perfectly Normal” are 2 other age appropriate and kid friendly reads. You can get them at Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc.

Good luck!

By: Agi

Agi — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:28:42 +0000

Susan, if your kids are girls, the American Girl books “The CAre and Keeping of You” is a wonderful first book about sex and development. It IS only geared towards girls, though. I don’t know of a similar one for boys.

A good idea is to go through the book together (whichever book) and then let the kid(s) take it and look it over in private, with the understanding that they can come to you at anytime with any question. My DD has had her book for a couple of years now and she comes to me with a new question brought on by yet annother look through the book every so often.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:48:02 +0000

Hold the phone! I guess the book “How Babies Are Made” is still in print. I found it on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/How-Babies-Made-Steven-Schepp/dp/0316042277/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222673534&sr=8-10. Sweet!

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:44:48 +0000

When I was a kid my parents had a book geared toward children called “How Babies Are Made” that doesn’t seem to be in print anymore. I honestly have no idea how old I was when they first shared it with me, but I can honestly say I never remember not knowing the basics. It was very tasteful and age-appropriate, but also scientifically accurate including info about sperm, eggs, Ps and Vs. It was cute because it starts out talking about how other creatures make babies, including birds and bees (yes really!), and then goes on to dogs and then people.

The book got passed down to my sister who shared it with her kids, and I think I’d better ask her for it. I’ve been a parent less than two months and my 8-year old has already asked “what is lust?” and “what is mating?” (in regards to lions). Clearly none of their previous foster parents discussed the basics with them yet. I gave honest and age-appropriate answers, but I think they’re overdue for the book!

By: Carrie

Carrie — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:38:02 +0000

Sorry, I’m pretty liberal and open minded, and I’ll never agree with the whole bikini barista thing nor will I knowingly take my kids to one of those stands (it’s risky enough just to consume a latte from one). They know a lot and I’d like to think in educating them with honesty and respect for others views, they’ve learned to tell the difference between something that’s natural and ok (like nudity in a non sexual wayt), and something that is lewd.

By: Amy Lang

Amy Lang — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:34:04 +0000

6 is a great age for kids to learn the basics of baby making – including the P going in the V, sperm, eggs, etc. I wouldn’t advocate introducing slang terms (with the excepting of “making love”) until age 8 or so. Unless they come to you and ask “Mama what does F*&% mean” then you should answer.

At this age, and younger, they don’t have any of the negative associations we have with sex, like shame, embarassment, and naughtiness.

We have an opportunity to start them off on a positive note with sex if we start the conversations earlier, rather than later.

We can also establish ourselves as a trustworthy source of information and hopefully keep the conversations rolling through adolescence.

Starting earlier is easier and it sets these talks up as a normal part of your family culture.

And, finally, kids who have open relationships with their parents, who know about sexuality, birth control, STDs and why it’s a good idea to wait as long as possible, do better.

By: Erica

Erica — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:38:41 +0000

I agree with Agi – I think when they ask questions they’re ready for some information.

I have a friend that was given *the talk* when she was five. Slang terms and everything were explained to her. She said that she was a little shocked by some things, but I can attest to her turning out fine. I don’t think she became sexually active until after high school and never had an unwanted pregnancy.

I don’t think knowledge of sex or allowing it to be the normal activity that it is (or should be) will decrease it’s air time in movies and such but it would probably remove any shock value of things like bikini baristas.

By: just beth

just beth — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:29:12 +0000

I think the more we, as a society, can ‘normalize’ sex, the less pervasive you’ll see it in pop culture. If it’s no big deal, then it’s no big deal. I think taking the ‘naughty’ away will lead to healthy discussion and perceptions. My children know how and from where babies come from because I talk to them about it whenever possible.