July 27th, 2009
It’s a classic situation, really—expecting a new baby, your curious little one asks that dreaded question: “Mommy, where do babies come from?” And in that moment, you find yourself mentally strapping on a pair of tap shoes, because you know this is one answer that’s going to require some fancy footwork. Heather Armstrong of Dooce.com was recently confronted with this question from her 4-year-old daughter, and explained that it was the work of magical elves. Magic, indeed. And of course, who could forget those two staples of baby mythology: the cabbage patch and the stork.
But let’s face it—sex and conception can be tough subjects to cover, no matter what age your child is. Whether they’re toddlers or teens, it can be challenging to find the right time and the right words. How would you handle this question? Would you give your child a straight up answer that delivers the facts, or would you step around it with tales of the cabbage patch? Let us know!
Looking for more? Be sure to check out the following articles on talking to your kids about sex: