Talking Sex!

[Mummies3]

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

Personally I think it's worth having some books pitched at different levels on your shelves. If they don't pick it up or show interest fine. If they do, you can read it with them and answer their questions.

IMO it should be child-led, but make sure you are open and approachable and answer questions fully without embarrassing them or yourself. Otherwise they will just ask someone else.

My sister has a great book that she read with her toddler whilst expecting a new baby called 'where do babies come from?' and it simply explains that babies come from eggs and sperm, some babies grow in eggs, other's grow in their mummies tummies and that babies grow in to children and eventually adults.

Something this basic is a good introduction for your littlest ones and will spark questions from older children which you can answer more fully.

'Mummy Laid an Egg' by Bebette Cole. Child friendly, funny pictures. Take a peek at it in a book shop before you buy. I got it for my ds when he was 8 - read it once and he didn't ask about sex again until he was 12