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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Talking sex

4 replies

Mummies3 · 30/03/2009 11:12

I'm wondering how best to handle this. I have three children aged 7, (nearly 8), 4 (nearly 5) and a 22 month old. We have never discussed sex/how babies are made or done a lot on our bodies. My older boy used to be curious about the differences in his body and mine but doesn't look any more with curiousity. My four year old laughs at my body (well I can't say I blame her!) and wonders when she will get "big muscles" (I wish!). I've been toying with the idea of getting a book for them both but don't know whether to do so before they show any real interest or whether they - particularly the older boy - is just too shy. I know he's fascinated by himself as his hands are always down his trousers fiddling about - usually while watching t.v. Also, I am not sure what words to use - whether I should soften them and how much is too much?! Anyway your thoughts and opinions would be grateful

OP posts:
andreax · 30/03/2009 11:21

umm. use 'willy' with my DS (3), havn't yet decdied on an appropaite word for my DS (2). Hasn't come up in conversation, but wont be much longer...

roulade · 30/03/2009 11:23

I am of the opinion that telling the truth is the best option as there can be no confusion later!!
Then again my Ds is only 2.8 so ask me again nearer the time

salome64 · 30/03/2009 11:25

Hi mummies, did your eldest not have some form of sex ed this year? its happens in Y2.

Idranktheeasterspirits · 30/03/2009 11:40

I don't think all schools do have sex ed in Yr 2 actually. Neither of mine have had any, both in yr 4 now.

I use the proper names for genitals with my children, i think it normalises them if you see what i mean.
dd knows that she has a vagina and an anus and a uretha etc. She knows that babies come out of your vagina and that a man and a woman make a baby. She doesn't know the full mechanics of sex yet because she hasn't asked and i see no need to give her information she doesn't want yet. When she asks questions i answer them as factually as i can without overloading her but i tend to try and focus on relationships as well as the bare facts. I want her to have confidence in her future relationships and understand that you don't have to do anything you are not comfortable with. I want her to know that sex can be a wonderful thing for two adults who care for each other.

DSD hasn't asked anything but i still use the proper names for things when talking to her. I do think it would be better for her mum to give her The Talk though as i think it would be very presumptious of me to do so.

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