"The" talk

My oldest is 7 and has been asking questions about how babies are made.

What age do you think is ok to tell them the very basics about sex? I do not want to one day sit them down and have "the talk", I want it to be an ongoing discussion that they always just "know". I have never called their private areas "nicknames", my boys know that they have a penis and that DD knows that she has a vagina (and vice versa, they know about each other).

So do you think that 7 is too young for the basic details about sex?

Re: "The" talk

I am not a parent but I will tell you that my mother and father were always very honest and open with me about all aspects of sex. They answered my questions as I asked them and used those opportunities to ask me questions like, where did you see that? hear that? who said that? do you know anyone who does that? are you thinking about doing that? has anyone asked you to do so and so? etc. They always answered all of my questions open and honestly. We never had "the talk" it was just a gradual conversation.

This day and age, (I am a teacher) young girls are performing oral sex in freaking fifth grade! Boys are asking for it, girls are giving it, and it's scary. Boys feel entitled to this and girls are pressured to do it. I am talking about well off towns - good towns - great school districts!

Parents need to speak to their children about this ... both sons and daughters!

My parents knew a lot about my social life .. who was having sex at an early age, who was hooking up, and more. And I will tell you, I was the last one out of all my friends to engage in sexual activity and I think it was because nothing ever seemed "off" limits to me.

I remember when I started dating my boyfriend (now husband) in tenth grade. My dad came out and asked me, "are you guys having sex?" And I replied, "nope, I am waiting until I am married." haha I do NOT know where I got those values from. He basically said, "good for you ... I bet you will feel differently soon and if you do, you have to be careful. Tell us beforehand so we can chat about it, make sure you are safe, and ready for it because it's a lot to deal with emotionally. Plus, never trust any guy haha That is usually the first and main thing they want from you."

Anyway, like I said ... I think it pays to be open and honest all the time with your kids. I do not think 7 is too young at all! Answer their questions honestly because the odds of them hearing inaccurate information is very strong anyway. They will not ask questions they are not ready to hear the answers too.


P.S. My dad was right. I did not wait until I was married haha but they made sure I was safe, smart, and savvy about it. I thank them for that and I will be doing the same thing they did with me ...

I have to say, I think it is so important for men to speak to their daughters about sex and dating. It should be BOTH parents on board.

Message edited 11/19/2010 5:46:05 PM.