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I constantly get asked how to discuss sex ed/periods/pregnancy/birth/etc with kids - what age, what language, etc? My answer? It should always just be normal convos. A thread...1/?
If they have questions - they are ready for answers. Tonight I apologized to my girls (both 8y) for being grumpy. I told them it was unwarranted - that I was frustrated & may have been hungry or tired or maybe irritable due to my cycle, but I was sorry for being short w them.
“Wait what?? Cycle? Why?” So, we covered menses in brief terms and extended our dinner convo with a hot chocolate date for open questions.
They asked anything they were confused about. We had a couple take home points (“periods are normal,” “you don’t have to be scared,” “if you have questions or problems, just ask.”)
We discussed the need for periods, briefly how they relate to growing a baby, and how babies don’t just appear it takes a partner and “more than kissing” - to which one of them replied “omg ew, stop!” And we decided they’d ask if they needed more.
But that “babies don’t just appear” part is integral to sex ed for going kids. Kids need to know there is an active part to making babies so that when they need to know what the activity is they don’t have to guess. They ask. Or they know.
You don’t have to explain the logistics of sex until they are ready. But don’t leave them thinking a baby will appear out of nowhere! (Please!)
Anyway, my oldest is 8. I’m not an expert in this, but as a gynecologist I feel I have a handle on encouraging conversations about this stuff. We all 3 left the evening better prepared for life. Your kids deserve it.
