The birds and the bee's talk.

Jennifer - posted on 03/11/2009

A lecturer about talking about the birds and bees with your kids came to my son's preschool last year, and said that they should have their first talk before they start kindergarten, both because they are likely to hear stories from other kids and because they need to know what safe touch is. She emphasized you only give them the most basic, age-appropriate information, and you make sure that you include your values in what you tell them -- that it's best to wait until they are adults, married, etc. before they have sex. Here's her website: http://www.birdsandbeesandkids.com/

Samantha - posted on 03/11/2009

i had jess when i was 18 from the time she could understand things we started she is now 11 and knows more then me hehehehe but when you feel its right start.

Marcelle - posted on 03/11/2009

Answer her questions is a good way to start. If there are none maybe talking about, in a nice way, how an older friend / family member is growing up.  Get the conversation going between you because it makes it easier for her to bring stuff up as questions occur to her or she hears things on the playground.

Yes, I agree awareness can make it less likely that they will want to experiment earlier. But also having a wide circle of friends can help her to see what would be the best way of life for them. Also getting them to think about how they see their life and talking about the plusses and minuses of that gets them to focus more on getting the education they will need to accomplish their goals.

hth, not an easy time

Amber - posted on 03/11/2009

My daughter has known since kindergarten.  She told me what sex was, and I was so shocked that she was right.  We talked about it, not into any detail.  I bought her a book "Girl Stuff" I think it is an american girl book.  It is awesome.  It covers absolutley every thing you could possibly think of and everything you never thought of.  We read it together.  She keeps it in her room.  And if she ever asks me anything I tell her the truth, 100% of the time.  She is a very responsible person.  Now, my youngest is 6 and has no idea any of it.  You will know when she is ready to know.  My oldest is responsible to keep the info to herself.  I do not want other parents/ teachers/ school calling me.  I knew she was ready for the info and responsible enough to know it.  I will be ready to tell my youngest when she is ready.  She still thinks boys are gross and gets highly ticked if anyone ever tries to say they are boyfriend or asks if she has one.  My oldest on the hand...

Nikki - posted on 03/11/2009

My Mum sat me down and had 'the talk' with me just before I turned 9, as she'd had a miscarriage and I was asking a lot of questions. I think the main thing is keep it age appropriate, and it's much better she hear it from you rather than in the playground at school.

Good luck :0)

Nicky - posted on 03/11/2009

I have been talking to my daughter about the birds and the bees since she was 4.  I didn't necessarily want to start that young, but she came home from daycare one day and said, "Mommy, I want to have sex with you."  So after I picked my jaw up off the floor, I questioned her about what she thought it was and then I set her straight, at an age appropriate level. (The next day I had a talk with the daycare director and the mother of the boy who was talking about sex in her class!) I've always encouraged her to ask questions, especially about things she hears at school.  Like you said, kids are growing up so fast these days, I feel like it's really never too early to start communicating.