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Explain The Birds & The Bees

Posted by lotusb • 10/10/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: sex

How would (or did) you explain the facts of life to a child for the first time? What do you think is the most effective impression to give kids about sex? Should the topic be handled differently for boys than girls?

User Comments

10/10/08

cranelegs

if you don't mind, i'm not going to answer this. i don't have good facts of life telling skills. i explained the birds and bees to my son. a few days later he came running into the house screaming he was pregnant! i asked him what was he talking about? and he carried on about being pecked by a robin.
i must have left some important parts out of the discussion.

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1. 10/10/08
  
  lotusb
  
  LOL!! I'm so sorry to hear that.
2. 10/23/08
  
  LGramlich
  
  cranelegs; ROFL!
  
  I've managed to avoid the subject entirely by not having kids, myself.
10/10/08

Hangingonahyphen

I read somewhere that it is easier if we use animal subjects because kids being very impressionable and observant are quite familiar with the sexual activities of everyday animals especially those we keep as pets like dogs. I once had a niece who asked the tricky question and I think I handled it well by making an analogy with dogs. It was still awkward though but still way easier unlike when we explain sex in human terms.

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10/10/08

faithsju243

I don't have any kids but if I did I would def be as honest and open about it as possible, of course age appropriate. Little kids need to start out with the basics good touch bad touch and those hornball teenagers need to know that I would want themt to wait until they were mature I would teach about pregnancy, contraceptives and STDs. Gotta give em the facts.

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1. 10/10/08
  
  lotusb
  
  Definately. I guess I want my daughter (or son) to know, when I have one, that sex is not a thing, it's a life decision. And once that decision is made it effects so many different things from your relationship with the person you sleep with to your entire future possibly. I think with teenage girls, sex ed starts with the closet too...I'll be one of those mamas (like mine) who pinches the back of jeans to make sure their not too tight!
10/10/08

psychosolodiver

Let him watch a few pornos.

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10/10/08

RTBjr73

I can't comment on the differences that need to be discussed for boys to girls, we have all boys (thank goodness says my wife).

So it's down to me telling the boys. One down, two to go.

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10/23/08

vrajeshpilathottat

i am not an expert.

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10/23/08

mizhelena

you might as well be honest and truthful, coz if your not, they are only going to learn about it elsewhere like from peers and friends, and not all of it good. Being open about it can prevent unwanted pregnancies and can lead to better safer choices when they do eventually start being sexually active. It shouldnt be any different if you have boys or girls, sex is sex, it doesnt discriminate.

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10/23/08

bradhart

Agree with Mizhelena you have to be truthful on the subject. In my opinion you need to do it in stages. As much as I hate seeing cats and dogs that aren't fixed a litter of kittens or puppies at the right time does come in handy at the right age. Also the worst thing in the world you can do is use a bunch of euphemisms including "the birds and bees". If you don't take the subject seriously neither will they. Be honest but don't be too graphic for the particular kid either.

With respect to RTBjr you can't let this be a one parent only discussion. At some point mothers need to talk about sex with their son's and father's their daughters. It also can't be a quick don't do it conversation no matter how much it embarrasses you. You need to give them the perspective of not only their other parent, but as a member of the opposite sex. Fathers who don't seriously talk to their daughters about sex at some point when it will make a difference are just as guilty as the boy who gets them knocked up.

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10/23/08

Effigy

Parents should just leave the door slightly ajar during sexy time. Let the kids learn by seeing. It's better than awkward conversations and confusing terminology. Added bonus: the kids are nearby to fetch your beer and smokes when you're done.

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10/23/08

CaitG08

hahahahahaha crane legs

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