What do I tell my son about the birds and the bees?

Question

My 6 goin on 7 year old just asked me why do women get a period? He walked in on me in the bathroom. Unfortately we live in a low rent apartment with no locks on the door. All I told him was that it was necessary for women to do that so they could have babies. A one sentence response. That seemed to satify him. And I certainly don't want to overwhelm/ scare him with too much info to early/quick. Personally I learned about the birds and bees from looking in a book in book at home and I was much older maybe 12. So moms and dads give me some advice comments etc.

Answer 1

You did just fine. I'd suggest going to the library, they have books that would be appropriate for children, and the way they understand things.
-Just because you live in a low rent apartment with no locks, it doesn't mean your son shouldn't already know at 6 years old to knock when a door is shut....


**I'm not suggesting that you hand him a book rather than talk to him, I'm just saying a book would give you ideas on how to tell him the truth in a way that's most understandable to him...

Answer 2

So go out and purchase a hook lock for the bathroom door. Then your son won't be able to walk in on you. I suggest you only answer whatever questions he comes up with. I started teaching my daughter when she was two, she was fasinated with my "Joy of Birth" book, she would point to something and ask what it was I would answer her but kept the information at her level, although I never used "cutesy", infantile terms for body parts, she has always known what a penis and a vagina are rather than a "pee pee" and a "coochie"

Answer 3

You did good. Don't tell him anymore than he asks for, he might not be ready to hear it. Just make sure when he asks questions, you are open to answer them truthfully and with openness.

My son, when he was 8 came out of a restaurant bathroom and asked my husband and I what they sold in those machine's. He can read, he knew it said condoms, but wanted to know what they were for. So we told him and my daughter (then 10) what they were for, how they were used and how important they are, because they kept asking questions. As soon as they had enough information, they let it go.

Because we don't hem and haw about what to tell them, because we tell the truth, they've always been comfortable coming to us to ask questions.

I will admit I was a little taken aback when they asked what was sold in that store (on our main street, in our small town) with the mannequin in the window wearing not much of anything and 2 naked people hugging on the sign, but I handled it like a champ. Told them it's a place where they sell toys for big people. Then my daughter said, "like for sex and stuff?" ...Yes. And they dropped it. Then Mommy needed a drink, lol.

Answer 4

You did a good job saying what you said. I don't know that you could have answered him any better. I had a similar experience to you growing up and learning everything out of a book. I have made a commitment to myself to always answer my kids questions no matter if I am embarrassed by them or not. I too have found that often times the simplest answers are best. Good for you for not shying away!

Answer 5

He's just at the right time to tell him pretty much everything - better all the information comes from you, than myths on the playground. Just explain everything, according to your family values, religion, etc., but he needs to know the biological information.
And get a lock for the door, woman - couple bucks for a hook lock at a department store!! C'mon, now....

Answer 6

I was in a speech class and made a speech on talking to children about sex and the most important thing is to not be embarressed and don't hold anything back you want them to know all they can but because of age I think you handled good give it to him slow everything will be ok.

Answer 7

I'm no mom (13), but I asked pretty young. When he asks the big question (where do babies come from, etc.) then tell him straightforward. Don't go into too much detail, but if he asks, he's ready. Don't mke too big of a deal out of it. Good luck.

Answer 8

when he asks, give him simple things, like a baby is half the dad, half the mom, so you need to get a daddy and a mommy for a baby. remember, simple. if your say too much, he could ask lots of questions, knowing he's 7.

Answer 9

Sounds like you did great! You have him an honest, useful response without going into unnecessary detail.

Answer 10

there are plenty of age appropiate material covering this go to Barnes and Noble or Borders