The talk - did it earlier than expected

Dec 121 min read

My 9yo started asking really specific questions about where babies come from after his friend at school mentioned something. Wasn't really planning to explain actual sex ed yet but figured might as well be honest and age-appropriate rather than let him get weird ideas from other kids.

Used actual words (sperm, egg, uterus) instead of euphemisms. He asked like 3 questions, said "okay that makes sense," and went back to playing Minecraft. Way less awkward than I thought it'd be. Waiting for questions round 2 but for now I'll take it as a win.

9 comments106 views

Comments(9)

CChris N.RegularDec 13

How much detail did you get into? I'm nervous about the right level because I don't want to overshare but also don't want to be evasive. He's 10 so similar age range

TTerrence M.RegularDec 13

This is awesome parenting. Better to hear it from you in a calm, age-appropriate way than from the school playground where half the info is made up. Did he have follow-up questions or was he satisfied?

RRussell D.RegularDec 13

Nice! You handled that right by not dodging it. Kids respect honesty way more than if you'd tried to deflect and he asked his friend "why won't dad tell me?"

RReggie K.New DadDec 14

How'd he react when you actually explained it? My 8yo looked confused for like 30 seconds then went back to his game lmao. Kids aren't as freaked as we think they'll be

BBrad N.RegularDec 14

I did this with my 9yo last year and it was such a relief getting it done. She had SO many questions I didn't expect. Like she wanted to know about consent which honestly made me proud but also made it harder lol

AAllen K.RegularDec 15

Did you use the Scarleteen book or just wing it? I'm coming up on this convo and trying to figure out the best approach

RRandy B.RegularDec 14

Nice man, good for you for not being weird about it. My parents made it so awkward I literally thought babies were magic until like 7th grade

AArchie K.RegularDec 14

I did similar with my 8yo and honestly it went better than expected. Kid asked a few follow-up questions and then went back to playing Lego. They're not as weird about it as we think they'll be

LLuke N.RegularDec 15

Honestly the fact that you explained actual sex ed instead of the 'special hug' version is refreshing to hear. Kids can handle real info way better than euphemisms that just confuse them more