Facts of life

[Mungomango]

Just wondering at what age you feel it's appropriate to talk to your kids about the facts of life? DS is 9 and has asked a few questions which I've answered vaguely but wondering if I should tell him the specifics now. He's pretty naive generally but has older friends and goes online a bit so think I should probably explain things before he hears from others! Would be interested to hear people's thoughts

He should have some sessions at school that cover the basics. When my ds did his, I asked him what they were like ( he said they were gross ) and if he understood which he said he did.
Now if there are very mild sex scenes on tv or a storyline around birth, I don’t switch it off. One of his friends has two mums so he sees that as normal. I don’t think he’s come across two dads yet.
I try to answer questions honestly as they arise and have only been stumped for an answer once.

Do it all.the time at all.ages, in all.walks of.life. same with death... Talk about little dead insects, or things mating, its just a gradual and continual observation and open topic.

Watching shows like embarrassing bodies is good too. Whatever they ask, check their understanding as it won't be yours! Sent.questions just don't even relate I recall, when they're younger and pose something you think is a bit yikes...but chances are its not.

Check what they know about stuff generally.

Really good books around for them to have access to in the home also.

Most have seen porn by the age of 11 so check what they 'google'. We've been caught with that one, and to ask them to show anything they don't understand to you. Horrific some of the stuff that pops up online through innocent googling

Thanks, good to hear some other opinions. I think it's different these days in that people are more open about things. In my day there was 'the talk' when you're old enough but I'd prefer it be more of an open ended conversation. Think I'll get him a good book and chat to him as well. Let me know if anyone has any good book recommendations