Strange book for 7 year old, IABU?

[rocketjam]

DS 7 in year two, is very interested in science and maths. He is very keen to learn about animals, nature, biology, etc. He came back home from school the other day with a school library book titled Cells and Reproduction - great I thought, a future doctor maybe but the book is quite explicit about sexual biology, periods, contraception, STDs etc. DS is quite grown up so we read the bits about the cells, early development of an embryo), xy chromosomes, and birth, breastfeeding, etc. We skipped the more explicit pages as I think that a 7 year old is not quite the right age to start learning about family planning. The book is clearly aimed at older children.

I am not offended by him having this book, I can monitor and 'guide' him as to what he should read or not read, but the question is, should the school let a 7 year old take this book home? Should I let them know or ask them maybe to keep this book for Juniors not Infants? Or is is just that DS is a bit strange on his interests?

Hi. I think it may be hard for the school to restrict access and others may be ready to hear more details in year 2. My Ds is in yr 2 but because he has an older sister hears things she didn't know at his age.

Meant to say he knows about periods and family planning because he asked about them (and someone had a vasectomy and told him all about it). STDs no.

Meant to say he knows about periods and family planning because he asked about them (and someone had a vasectomy and told him all about it). STDs no.

My DD brought home a library book, a Roald Dahl... except it was an adult RD book, definitely not suitable for children (the one with the 'swan' story in, it's horrific)
You are allowed to have a little say in what a 7yo reads I think. I wouldn't let mine read Irvine Welsh for example!

However, please remember, that some 8yo in his class (i.e. next year) will be starting their periods. If he understands what menstruation is, he may have empathy and respect their privacy when they need it when the time comes. (often privacy difficult to obtain in primary schools)

DD is in Y2 and is fully au fait with the details of conception and the mechanics of sex, in an age appropriate way. She has known about periods for quite some time and is just beginning to ask questions about whether it hurts to have a baby etc. I don't see how this is too much at this age. If anything, I think it's better to introduce it early so children have time to get used to the idea gradually. I don't think there is anything wrong with learning about family planning either, as long as it's pitched at an appropriate level (some people don't want to have a baby so there are several things you can do to avoid this, these are some of them, you need to think carefully about whether you're ready to have a baby before you do anything that might lead to one being born).

DD would probably love this book and be fascinated. As long as you are reading it with him or available to answer questions, I can't see a problem.

I tend to go with an 'honest questions, honest answers' policy so there isn't a lot I would say is inappropriate. I will usually skim whatever they bring home, or research it, and then brief DDs on it, but as long as you read and discuss together you can reach quite far. DD2 read The Book Thief in her reading extension group year (she's Yr6) and that's one that raises a lot of issues, but it was lovely talking to her about it and sharing how great it is, all supported by her teacher at school. If you can bring yourself to talk about those things in the book that interest your DS, he'll never be one of those that sniggers through sex education because he will already have a healthy perspective on it all.

I take it the explicit pages were the actual mechanics of sex? in which case, no I wouldn't think a 7 year old should be reading that either.

Do they leave them to choose their own books by any chance? Reception DD often comes home with books that have clearly come from the year 6 book shelves, we've not had anything particularly inappropriate but we had a fantastic book of science experiments to try at home that were well above a 5 year olds abilities (great fun for me though) and a lot that are far too difficult for her.