How to Guide to Help You Teach a Young Child About Sex, the Body and Reproduction

Many parents dread dealing with this subject when it comes to their own children, no matter what the age the child is, but it does not have to be an intimidating or overwhelming subject to approach, particularly with younger children.

If you are nervous, they will know it. Approach this calmly even when you feel like you might hyperventilate in panic at the questions. Children nowadays are being exposed to information more openly even on television, than they ever have been and it is better to correct any misinformation they have learned or have it come from you first so you have more control . It also shows them they can approach you with questions without judgment or fear of anger. You should be the ones they come to before anyone else, so it you are avoiding it , they will just ask elsewhere and come up with things you don't want them to know or have to unteach. Avoidance behavior on the part of the parent will not make it go away. If you make them feel like it is something forbidden to talk about they will not come to you. It is a normal part of life, so don't make a huge deal out of it.

Remember to think like a child and get to their level of understanding, before you jump in with too many answers. In all our adult knowledge and wisdom we may make something like this way more complicated than it needs to be and we may not need to explain everything in minute detail. In fact too much information is often more than they can digest or handle in the beginning. For example if they come in with the classic question "Where do babies come from?" take a breath before you break into a nervous sweat and ask them few questions of your own. Find out what it is they really want to know or why the question even came up in the first place. For a very small child a simple answer like, from a mommy and daddy may be all they are asking anyway, but an older child may want to understand more fully. Children are naturally curious but they are not always asking you what you think they are asking.

Look at the age of your child before you dive into graphic detail. This is a great deal of important knowledge for a child and you need to give them accurate information, but not more than they need. This could just confuse them. Ask them to repeat back what you told them and it may show you what they are and aren't retaining or what you may need to explain more clearly and simply.

Don't lie to a child about this subject. Misinformation can cause more problems both earlier and later on. They are not stupid, and are more capable than adults give them credit for. If they ask a question, give an honest answer. Just do it at their level.

You as the parent have to decide what is and is not appropriate for them to know and what you feel is right for them to know. You may not be comfortable giving them correct terminology about body parts, but if you do, make sure they are old enough to understand the importance of privacy and explain to them not all parents want their children to know everything. Whether or not you agree with another parents choice doesn't matter, you need to respect it. If you have some issue with it, talk to the parent directly, without the children around, so you can both understand each others limits and guidelines. Never ever teach another parents child any of this without full permission or clearance from them. If their children are asking you, make sure you tell the parent, but also tell the child that is a question they need to ask their own parent or guardian and let it go at that.

When they ask questions explain to them this is a private talk not to be shared with friends, at school and so forth but kids will be kids, and giving them honest answers is better than starting a child's pass it on telephone game of misinformation and incorrect terminology.

There are many options in expanding their knowledge at an age appropriate level. Look online at bookstore sites and see what may be available in each age group. Sometimes simple books will provide the answers they are seeking and sometimes they may create new questions in their eager little minds. Find ones that show body parts in childlike drawings for the younger ones. They don't need graphic portrayals. There are merely looking for a beginning to understanding. Go to the library or ask other parents how they have dealt with it. Even ask your own parents if you are comfortable with that. They probably have some great stories to share with you about your own curiosity, when you were small, that might give you insight on how to approach the given subject.

One parent or the other may be more comfortable with the particular subject than the other one is. Take their lead or let them deal with it, but discuss it together first so you are in agreement as to the who, hows and whys.

However you approach it make it a time for honest communication and real parenting. You may be surprised what your own children teach you.