It is difficult sometimes, to know how much information is too much/ too little for children. I often wonder about this type of thing (sorry off topic) i.e. our dog of 13 years died 2 weeks ago. I didnt go with the "gone to live on a farm" lie that most suggested I do, I told her and she was absolutely fine with it (I was definately more upset). Have to be careful though, as I do see that whatever I tell dd is absolute Gospel to her - no questions asked. Shows how much power you really have as a parent. Often worry about messing her up.
My cousin on the other hand has the complete opposite parenting style to me, she would be absolutely and completely shocked if I told her that I had been so honest with dd about how baby came out. She chooses to "frill" things up abit more i.e. her 4 year old ds recently got his tonsils out. We are all not allowed ask him how he is, how hes feeling, that he was in hospital, had an operation because 1)we've been warned by her not to and 2) because his parents told him that he just went for a trip to the hospital and fell asleep and nothing happened.
Its hard, isnt it?.
We have a sort of cut off point in this house regarding privacy and members of the opposite sex, dd isnt allowed into bathroom when dh is showering/ in bath/ weeing or not allowed in our room if hes getting dressed since she turned 3, she is allowed in with me though, with ds we'll probably do the same in relation to girls privacy. We think this is appropriate but it is hard to know if its the right thing too...
Greedyguts, dont get annoyed, I sometimes think things are hilarious that no one else finds funny, I've that type of sense of humour, maybe this is one of those occasions where you've done the same? , I suppose to put into context, Imagine if you were a father asking should he show his 5 year old daughter his penis for educational purposes? doesnt go down well, I think thats why people get alarmed.