How do I approach the subject and talk to my 8 year old son about the "birds and bees"?

Answer 1

An 8 year old need not know about those things yet..... My boys are 9 and haven't a clue that those things exist...... they aren't allowed to play dirty video games or watch rated R movies....... They have shown an interest in girls in sort of a boyfriend way, but they don't need to know about sex..... that is something that should be discussed a bit later, like around 12.

Answer 2

I'm of the belief that kids should know about their bodies and the "birds and the bees" before it becomes the topic du jour at school and the child gets wrong information...

I started with teaching my kids ONLY the proper names for their body parts. The term "peepee" was forbidden in our house. Boys have penises and girls have vulvas (vulva inclides the vagina, urethra, etc).

When my then-seven year old asked me "how do you get pregnant?" I told her the basics, her level, and not a heck of a lot more. When two people love each other, they make love and sometimes the woman becomes pregnant... (then the conversation turned to wild animals and rutting, etc. this is how my daughter thinks! :-) ).

A couple of months ago, she asked me if she was developing breasts. A friend recommended a FABULOUS book called "Ready, Set, Grow" which is a book on puberty written for 8-12 year olds. My daughter couldn't put it down.

The key about talking about the birds and the bees is that its normal and natural. No, it's not always the most comfortable thing to talk about with our kids, but the more open we are to them, the more we offer them as far as information, they more they will be prepared as they reach those crutial decisions in their lives. There was a study recently where teens said that although they were very uncomfortable talking about sex with their parents, they preferred to get the information from their parents and wanted to be able to approach their parents with questions, etc.

If you are uncomfortable and unsure how to address this topic, I HIGHLY recommend books written by Meg Hickling. I got my own philosophy from her writings - she believes in starting sex education young and to be honest with kids.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

I'm sure 8 years old is even a little late. I was told about sex when I was sic and my little sister was 4. This isn't just as shocking as you think it is. Just tell him the truth. Don't speak of birds and bees, just tell the truth. It's the best way. Besides, all my friends when they were about 6 or 7 already knew about it. Trust me. The more you delay the talk the more he will get immature later in life. And 11-12? His classmates will make fun of your son!

Answer 4

let him approach you. then ask him where he got his question from (like why is he asking? who told him about it and what ahve they said?) I always try to find out about the info the kid already knows and where it came form so I know whether it's likely to be accurate or not. Encourage your child to ask you questions whenever they have anything to ask becaue you are the one you want them to turn to with questions. tell the truth. always tell the truth to your children because then they will know they can trust you and they will tell you the truth. there's a good book for that age on the "birds & bees" called 'It's So Amazing." For a 8 year old, I wouldn't just hand him the book. Look throughit yourself and then use it yourself as a reference. If you think your child is ready for the info inside, thengive it to them and tell them to talk to you about any questions they have. use the real words for the real parts of the body. get his father to talk to him too but, don't expect too much because most men would rather ignore the situation. don't give your child more info than he is asking for. answerr his quesions directly and truthfully but, don't load the answers up with lots oof info that he isn't interested in and won't care about of understand. Just be sure to know what it is he is askinga bout before you start answering. Do you know the story of the little kid who asked his mom, "Where did I come from?" and she went on and on about all the facts of life and then he finally said, "Oh well, Johnny comes from Michigan." Just be sure you know what the question is really about!!!

Answer 5

Well, you should have been already - when he was younger, making sure he knew the proper biological names for body parts, now you need to catch up with where babies come from, etc. all from the perspective of your family's morals, ethics, and religion. Be open to all questions, and explain things clearly, then check up with him once in a while to make sure he understood. Better that he comes to you with questions so he doesn't get sucked into myths spread on the playground. Add to the information as it's appropriate. If you need books to help, check with your local librarian.

Answer 6

I would agree that eight years of age is a little young but when you do teach him it also needs to be in context - *relationships* and respect for his own and other's feelings and bodies too.
You can start on the latter by teaching him the need for good hygeine,proper diet and plenty of fresh air and exercise.
I taught my boys the basics at eleven and twelve giving our Family's take on what was taught in the schools.
I knew that I would have to be on the lookout for their early steps with "girlfriends" when I had to chase them *out* of the bathroom rather than into it as hitherto and it was nice not to have to nag them about teethcleaning and so on for a change - until their hearts were "broken" and I had to deal with that!
With girls (which I didn't raise) it *may* be wise to prepare them for upcoming puberty at a younger age - but still not at eight in my opinion.
Don't leave it too late - but let them enjoy their childhood - it passes oh so soon!.
Best wishes,
Joan.

Answer 7

There are some REALLY good books out there... like "What's happening to my body?" there are specific editions for boys & girls.

Ask him what he knows about sex. Even when I was 9, I remember learning schoolyard taunts, myths & outright lies from my schoolmates.

It's important to instill knowledge in this area early & often. There are so many myths & pressure from the media out there, I would say you're running a little behind in sitting him down for "the talk"

Answer 8

I actually think tat you are very smart for wanting to approach the subject now seeing as how kids are getting pregnant younger and younger. I would have to say tell him the very basics for now explain to him where babies come form and how they are made. Also make sure to throw in the whole always wear a condom thing. I know its a hard thing to do to talk to a child that young about it but good for you! i wish you the best!

Answer 9

I think yuo should wait a while until he really needs to know. This is so weird but its how my mother taught me and I was abotu 11 years old. There is a cartoon video out called "where did I come from" I'm sure you can find it online if its not at the video store anymore but it was a cute way to learn...made me giggle.

Answer 10

he nees to know now, at least the basics. there are great books on the subject, if you are really uncomfortable you can give him a book and tell him to come to you if he has any questions, likely he wont at first, but he will want to know more later. 8 yr olds hear more than you think, so be sure he get the right knowledge form you and not playground rumors.