birds and the bees

[Siobhan]

Yeah I know Charley is only 7 but she is starting to ask a lot of question so I am wonder from mother with older kids when and how is it best to approach this subject?
Any advise is welcome on what is the best method... I had it thought to me at school by a priest (yeah a priest go figure). Should you tell the child at home face to face or leave it til school?

[Perdita]

I think you need to talk about whenever the time is right, if Charlie is asking now and no answers are forthcoming, it might lead to the impression that there is 'something not right' with the birds and the bees. Have you talked to other members of the family/friends, how they dealt with this? You can buy books these days that have sensitive cartoons/pictures to help kids understand.

The family planning association (fpa) has a mail order department and there are several good books in its catalogue that would fit the bill. You can call them on 0845 122 8600.

If you want to chat to someone about your anxieties on helping your kids with sex information, you might like to have a chat to an expert on the fpa helpline. That number is 0845 310 1334 and it operates between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.


Mummy laid an egg by Babette Cole has had some good reviews.

Good luck :)

[Abigail]

Be straight about it. Don't beat around the bush with "the stork brings babies" (probably aimed at younger children but you get my drift). Also, use the proper names for the anatomy.

My mum gave me a book all about "growing up" and told me to read it. That was better for me, I would have died of embarrassment if we had "that chat."

If Charlie is comfortable asking you questions then that is a very good start. Don't avoid them, it may be embarrassing at first but you'll get there.

You know your child better than anyone so you'll know how much information she can deal with and understand. Don't force the issue or have a sit down chat with her, just answer the questions as they come.

[Abbie]

This sounds really bad but I actually cant remember being taught about it from my parents, just school

[Siobhan]

This sounds really bad but I actually cant remember being taught about it from my parents, just school

That is how i was thought too Abbie... and my sister told me some stuff about Periods but not about sex.. a Priest told me that :rotfl:

[Emmie]

I was taught about it at school mainly, but my mum gave me a book at about 10 or 11. my little sisters whos just 10 is getting to that age, when the questions are starting.

[Trinity]

If a child is sensible enough to ask questions, then she is sensible enough to get straight answers. I have always answered questions in a straight forward matter of fact way.

My mum was a health visitor - and I also was given books:

The facts of life for children
The facts of life for young adults
Conception and contraception.

35 years later i can still remember the titles :)

[Siobhan]

Thanks for all this advise.. I don't lie to charley, I always give her a straight answer.. she know what to be gay is about cause she asked me... I know she is only 7 and I don't want to introduce her to sex education at this age as she is still very young but if she asks question I will answer... I just don't like the thought of my baby grown up so quick

[Chloe O'brien]

Do you know what I used Shiv. The pregnancy book I got from when I was pregnant I read through it with Marley showing her the pictures of the human body and how a baby grows in the womb. There is also a number of children's books at the library that you could read together.

Marley has just been taught sex education at school and they used dvd and workpacks. They were shown how cells and skin make DNA, about changes that boys and girls go through in puberty, conception and finally they see a birth.

[Debs]

During my pregnancy connor did ask questions about where babies came from. i wasnt sure what to tell him so told him babies came from a seed and a egg in mummys tummy!! he didnt ask for anything else and assumed the seeds were from somerfield and i ate them!

he looked at my pregnancy book and asked what things were, and i showed him the picture of the 'seed' and the egg and the ovaries etc and explained!

as he asks questions i will tell him truth and seeing as his best friend has older brothers im sure it wont be long until he finds out the real truth!! he told me a few weeks ago that he saw people kissing and it wa gross and that after they kiss they go to bed!!!


i learnt about it in the playground at school, asked mum and she told me bits but got most of my info from books

[Abbie]

Maybe I never asked questions and thats why my parents never said anything, well from what I can remember

[di marco]

This sounds really bad but I actually cant remember being taught about it from my parents, just school


Maybe I never asked questions and thats why my parents never said anything, well from what I can remember

im the same. i dont remember my parents telling me either. i also didnt ask them questions about it cos it would have been too embarrassing at the time