When did you start educating your child about sex and how? These days kids know too much and very early on. I feel that my daughter is well more advanced when I was at her age and sometimes she asks questions or makes comments that just take me off guard. I am afraid that I might say too much too early or sometimes I worry that I won't say enough and that will make her to seek advice from peers at school. Is there a book that would be appropriate for 8 year old that will give enough information in appropriate form.
There was a similar post from another mom but it was in regard to older boy.
The "American Girl" book series.
It is for girls this age.
Written for girls this age and for Tweens. Tweens are from ages 9-12.
Easy to read.
Not graphic.
And meant to be read/discussed with Mommy too.
Can be found at any bookstore or online.
The American Girl book series, has all kinds of topics and about their changing body, etc.
We always answered any question she asked.
At 8 she started really asking questions, so as we were driving around running errands, I told her. Of course on her level but all true..
Then I reminded her, this is all of the truth, but we do not talk about this with our friends. Let their parents tell them about it.
Our daughter said "Don't worry, I do not want to ever talk about it again."
Hee, hee.. Of course, I had other small conversations. Or explained situations.. etc.. When we saw a pregnant teen we talked about how their lives were going to change. What the delivery would be like,,
Or if a subject was covered at school we would speak about that also.
My favorite book on the subject is "It's Not The Stork." I think it's really sweet and quite basic. Check it out on amazon--read reviews to see if it's right for you. There is a book in the same series that is for older children that might be useful too. I have always answered my son's questions as they came up; he is 6 now and has the basics down. I think it's healthy to demystify when they are curious..
I like this one.
http://www.sexrespect.com/Growing_Up_Program_Flier.pdf
My daughter knew how babies were made when she was four. She asked and I told her.
Why would you treat the subject of sex differently than any other? Treat it like any other subject---- just give her information she can understand, at whatever age she is, and save the rest for further questions later. You can't give "too much too early," because kids just stop listening after they get the answer they asked for. The problems begin if you are uncomfortable with discussing sex, as if there were something "wrong" with the subject, because then she becomes afraid to bring it up with you again when she needs more information, and asks her peers instead, or, even worse, relies on what she learns from TV...
And please don't just give her the "how babies are made" outline. Most 8 year olds have already picked up the mechanics of sex from the media. You have to make sure she understands the mechanics correctly, but most importantly, you have to teach her the more difficult , less tangible stuff, like how people in a sexual relationship should treat each other, the reasons why really young people should not get involved in sexual relationships, understanding of and respect for other sexual orientations, and the problems and dangers (as well as the delights) of sex. You will know you are doing a good job if she continues to ask questions as she matures.
"What's the Big Secret" by Laurie Brown was what I used when my son was 8 (he's now 10). It's cartoonish, but addresses all the basics and a little more. I read through it first myself to make sure it was appropriate. My husband and I then talked to my son about it one evening. He was giggling at first, but then very interested and attentive. We explained that he may hear kids making up rude or bad words about bodies, etc., but that we know the truth and it's nothing to be ashamed about.
I checked the book out at the library and plan to check it out again this year for my soon-to-be 8-year-old!
Just answer what she asked. You don't need to go into details and bring up other subjects even if they may lead into it, unless she is asking. My daughter will ask a question because of what someone told her at school, otherwise she wouldn't even think about it much. her version of what she was told tells me that it is not the parents telling these girls, they are getting it from somewhere else. So with my daughter I need to go in and clean it up. Thank God I have taken anatomy and physiology, therefore I'm able to explain to her how the body functions and why it works they way it
does.
I don't have any answers, but I was going to post essentially the same question. I am a grandma raising my granddaughter who is nine years old. I don't remember at what age I had "the talk" with my daughter and things do seem to move much faster these days so I am very anxious to read all the responses. Hang in there - it's getting scarier by the day!
