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Why We Decided to Talk to Our 7-Year-Old About Sex
I recently attended a birthday bash for two brothers who were celebrating their birthdays—one turning 8 and the other 10. While most parents whisked their kids away for a couple of precious hours to themselves, a small group of us lingered and struck up a conversation. With kids on the brink of their tween years, I was curious: Were other parents discussing sex at home? The kids ranged from 7 (my son’s age) to about 12, and I hoped some veterans would share their experiences. However, when I asked, I was surprised to find that many parents were either relieved they hadn’t faced those questions yet or had resorted to buying a book. The parents of the 7-year-olds looked shocked when I mentioned that we were already having open discussions about sex.
So, why did we take this step?
- Lessons from the Past
I think my parents’ generation missed the mark. Growing up in the ’80s, sex education was nearly non-existent. My parents only mentioned it when puberty was on the horizon, leaving a cartoonish book in my room—by then, I had already gathered bits and pieces of information from various sources that didn’t connect with my actual experiences. I wanted to approach parenting differently, aiming for openness and honesty. - Avoiding Awkwardness
My parents struggled to talk to me about sex because they felt uncomfortable. By the time I was 12, I was too embarrassed to hear those words from them. Younger kids, however, are naturally curious and can grasp the information without feeling mortified. - Great Resources Available
There are many fantastic books designed for kids of all ages. Little ones are accustomed to engaging with books that mix fun illustrations with informative content. A 7-year-old can absorb the information and return with questions, then seamlessly transition back to playing without missing a beat. - Empowering My Child
I remember how kids who were knowledgeable about sex held an unusual power over their peers. By providing my son with clear information, I hope he can handle any awkward situations that arise and not let misinformation or sexualized bullying affect him. - He Asked Questions
Every child is different, but my son had questions at age 7. After witnessing my second pregnancy when he was 5, he was indifferent. But with my third pregnancy, his curiosity exploded, leading us into discussions about where babies come from. - Enjoying the Conversation
His questions range from simple to deeply curious. For example, he once asked, “If you and Dad have sex again, will the baby turn into twins?” or “What happens if you have sex too many times, and we end up with seven siblings?” These moments can be amusing and insightful. - It’s a Continuous Conversation
My parents thought there was a one-time “Birds and Bees” chat to cover everything, but that’s a myth. Discussing sex is about so much more—feelings, changes, peer pressure, and everything in between. I’m grateful we’ve opened this dialogue early, allowing us years to discuss it as much or as little as he needs.
I’m pleased we started these conversations, making it a natural topic. There’s no need for awkwardness or serious sit-downs; it’s just part of our everyday discussions. For more on this topic, feel free to check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or explore this informative post for additional insights.
In summary, talking about sex with kids can be both enlightening and enjoyable. It’s about fostering an environment where curiosity is welcomed and information is shared openly.