Is eight years old too young to teach about sex?

Question

I have an eight year old son who has been asking such detailed questions about babies etc,i can no longer give the usual vague answers.

I am now faced with the choice of either telling him the truth or telling him 'white lies' & possibly ruining my future credibility with him...

Answer 1

If a child has worked out the question, then s/he wants to know the answer. So as long as you tell him in words that he can understand do so - better to the the correct facts from home than wrong ones from friends in the playground.

Answer 2

I always gave my daughter just enough info to answer the question or "tackle the situation" that has occured that needs explaination. Then I tell her "there's always more to learn that I will tell you about when you get to the right age." That satisfies her. i always timed conversations to her questions and what is going on in our lives that requires explaining. For example: when she asked why my "special band aides are for my pants" i explained the basics of periods, she wanted to know exactly how babies were made when I became pregnant this year, so I got a GREAT book (a little below her level, but simple is better) from the library called "where did I come from?" I used that as a spring board to explain sex.
I just have found that a direct- age appropriate explaination works great. KILLS my mom, but oh well...maybe our relationship would be better if she had been more up front with me about things.
Ha! Its funny..just last night on Seinfeld they were talking about guys and "shrinkage" due to George being in a cold pool. Guess what question arose! yep...so I explained that the sperm have to stay a certain temp in order for them to work to make babies. So guys bodies hold balls closer to keep em warm and in hot weather, they dangle a bit away from their bodies. She said "so its like a human thermostat?" YEP!

Answer 3

Answer him with answers that are appropriate for his age.

I'm sure there is no one answer that fits.

For instance, if you hare "expecting" a younger sibling for him that could be good educational time.

If you live on a farm with farm animals, probably he can get some of his questions answered by watching.

And,since it is a "son", perhaps such "birds-and-bees talk" might be better between father and son. However, I notice you say "I have an eight year old son". "I", not "we". That seems so frequent,esp. on the Internet.

Answer 4

If he is already asking; then you probably should! Just don't go into graphic detail; keep your answers short and to the point. Yeah, these days, 8 is about when a parent needs to tell kids about those things!! It is really sad, too! Kids really do have to grow up so fast these days!! I heard a story from a friend of mine; that there was a pregnant eleven year old girl at a neighboring school where she lives! Kids need to be informed!! I was so shocked to hear this!!! Saddened and shocked....but parents need to know that it really can happen!!!

Answer 5

If he's asking so many questions, he's probably ready for some straight answers. Try giving him the least amount of ACCURATE information that will answer his questions, and let him guide you from there. If he's satisfied with your answers, he will let you know and will not ask more questions for a while. If he still wants to know more, he will keep asking until he's had enough. Best of luck. There are also lots of great books out there for kids to help them understand this stuff.

Answer 6

I think the world has gone mad. i have a 9 year old daughter who say's she will soon be getting taught sex education at school. I totally disagree with this, let the parents deal with these issues. but then we don't have much of a say in our own kids upbringing because of all these pen pushers telling us whats right or wrong.... i'm confused. Are teachers experts in sex education ?

Answer 7

I think it is too young, not because of the content matter, but because the child will have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. I agree that people need to be taught about sex at earlier ages, but wait until the child is old enough to understand what is being taught. Sixth grade seems to be a popular grade to teach about sex, but I wouldn't object to it being taught to one lower grade.

Answer 8

Sex ed is tough, but honesty is always best. If he is curious, it is a good thing, but you always want to express the dangers of unsafe sex practices. My parents started being honest about sex when I was about that age. They always answered my questions and they always told me about safe sex. They felt that it was best that I was aware of my body and the bodies of boys and the differences between boys and girls. The best thing to do would be answering the questions as they come. Don't force him into a conversation, but you shouldn't lie either. Ultimately, it is your decision, but I think it is better to be aware than be naieve and suffer the consequences later on.

Answer 9

I don't think it's too early (I think I actually started getting sex education in school at this age!), but don't give him more information than he requests.
A simple 'where do babies come from' doesn't require graphic details and illustrated diagrams - I'd say be honest with him, but don't overload him with masses of detail.

Answer 10

sit him down and let him watch the alien film, the bit where john hurts stomach explodes and the little aliens hisses, and runs off.. that where babies come from.. he may have a few sleepless nights..but it should kerb his curiosity for a while..

and if you dont tell him something, the bike shed rumour mill at school will. keep it simple. hes 8... my ,missus showed them her cesarian and told the kids she had a zipper... the were about 8 or 9 when they got curious..eldest daughter is 16 tommorow... one moment theyre in your arms, the next they want the car keys...