53 replies to this topic

[tessieca]

The fact that several 10-year-olds have "tasted" alcohol has no affect on their dating habits or lack thereof.

And, I don't think you can, or are trying to, substantiate any claim that the government has created an increase in pregnancies amongst 10-year-olds.

At 10, most of them simply "like" each other and don't do anything else other than moon around about it, or have discussions with friends. Even if Andrea's son is confirmed to like a particular girl, I doubt she's going around arranging an alone date for the two of them.

Being vigilant, and teaching your own kids instead of relying on the government is the best way to handle your kids' current and future relationships and their concurrent issues.

[Andrea V]

The fact that several 10-year-olds have "tasted" alcohol has no affect on their dating habits or lack thereof.

And, I don't think you can, or are trying to, substantiate any claim that the government has created an increase in pregnancies amongst 10-year-olds.

At 10, most of them simply "like" each other and don't do anything else other than moon around about it, or have discussions with friends. Even if Andrea's son is confirmed to like a particular girl, I doubt she's going around arranging an alone date for the two of them.

Being vigilant, and teaching your own kids instead of relying on the government is the best way to handle your kids' current and future relationships and their concurrent issues.

you doubt correctly! To night I WILL find out if he like a girl.

[mylo]

The pregnancy statistics don't lie. We can infinitely debate the causes of such changes, but 15 years of decline coupled with increased sex education and an almost immediate turnaround once abstinence-only education was imposed is a little too coincidental to me.

You're right, I'm not saying Government is entirely responsible. We, the people, are. But it doesn't change the fact that teens, and even pre-teens, are experimenting with alcohol, drugs, and sex.

No, I'm not accusing anyones kids here of getting pissed and laid, but IMO it's never too early to start the birds & bees conversations. Even if it still seems like "boys are icky" or "they wouldn't do that, she's only 10"

[Bill Z]

but IMO it's never too early to start the birds & bees conversations. Even if it still seems like "boys are icky" or "they wouldn't do that, she's only 10"

I wouldn't say it's never too early, my kindergartner doesn't need sex ed quite yet.
But I would agree that as soon as the first girl in class starts budding up top, it won't be long before the topic of "look at those differences" begins and then it definitely is time for the education to begin. (as we know the mis-information is ready to flow any second).

[sat]

The pregnancy statistics don't lie. We can infinitely debate the causes of such changes, but 15 years of decline coupled with increased sex education and an almost immediate turnaround once abstinence-only education was imposed is a little too coincidental to me.

You're right, I'm not saying Government is entirely responsible. We, the people, are. But it doesn't change the fact that teens, and even pre-teens, are experimenting with alcohol, drugs, and sex.

No, I'm not accusing anyones kids here of getting pissed and laid, but IMO it's never too early to start the birds & bees conversations. Even if it still seems like "boys are icky" or "they wouldn't do that, she's only 10"

I'm not dismissing the fact that "she's only ten", just saying my daughter has not yet experienced drugs, sex, or alcohol, and I don't see any of these problems in the near future. Thanks to her school last year, and this year, she has learned more about the birds & bees than I think I could tell her (and I mean this in a good way to the school, as the classes were very thoughtful and imformative, in my opinion). We were able to expand on it at home, and we were glad that this was something that gave us a starting point.

It's cute that she might have an innocent crush now, but I know that we might be in for a wild ride here in another few years. As Tessieca stated, middle school can be difficult for girls, and my daughter will be starting middle school in August. I am aware that teenage kids can be, in polite terms, very trying for parents. I hope that my husband and I can handle the ride, and continue to do what we think is best for her, and our other two kids.

[Andrea V]

I wouldn't say it's never too early, my kindergartner doesn't need sex ed quite yet.
But I would agree that as soon as the first girl in class starts budding up top, it won't be long before the topic of "look at those differences" begins and then it definitely is time for the education to begin. (as we know the mis-information is ready to flow any second).

I stated to "bud" as you say, in 3rd grade. I was a C by 6th grade.

Probably why my mom started the "talk" when I was in kindergarten. Well about the hair, and period part anyway.

[swmr545]

I wouldn't say it's never too early, my kindergartner doesn't need sex ed quite yet.
But I would agree that as soon as the first girl in class starts budding up top, it won't be long before the topic of "look at those differences" begins and then it definitely is time for the education to begin. (as we know the mis-information is ready to flow any second).

My niece knows where babies really come from. Not the stork story. And she's 3.


When they lived in SLO, she had a boy she would play with, they'd wrestle and such. And they would also kiss. They called each other boyfriend and girlfriend.

However, as she's getting older, she's becoming more shy about boys.

[stacycam]

My niece knows where babies really come from. Not the stork story. And she's 3.
When they lived in SLO, she had a boy she would play with, they'd wrestle and such. And they would also kiss. They called each other boyfriend and girlfriend.

However, as she's getting older, she's becoming more shy about boys.

That is precisely why I think it's a mistake to explain the mechanics too early. All the young kids I know who were given a detailed explanation about sex and babies, are much more interested/confused about the opposite sex and their body parts. I firmly believe that you only answer what they ask. Once they are old enough where it is truly relevant, then it is essential that you be honest. But, the details at under five is a bit much, IMO.

[cw68]

IMO you don't give them detailed information but you do answer their questions completely and honestly.

Q. Where do babies come from? A. Their mother's uterus.
Q. What's a uterus? A. It's an organ inside a woman's body.

They aren't asking how the baby got in there, they are asking where the baby came from. When you answer honestly, they are more likely to ask you more questions when they are curious instead of finding out from Billy or Amanda down the block who may, or may not, have correct information.

[DalOwnerX3]

When you answer honestly, they are more likely to ask you more questions when they are curious instead of finding out from Billy or Amanda down the block who may, or may not, have correct information.

Billy or Amanda? Do you live near Melrose Place? If so, I'm pretty sure they have the correct information.

[cw68]

Billy or Amanda? Do you live near Melrose Place? If so, I'm pretty sure they have the correct information.

HA, didn't even think of that, but did love Melhose Place back in the day.

[stacycam]

IMO you don't give them detailed information but you do answer their questions completely and honestly.

Q. Where do babies come from? A. Their mother's uterus.
Q. What's a uterus? A. It's an organ inside a woman's body.

They aren't asking how the baby got in there, they are asking where the baby came from. When you answer honestly, they are more likely to ask you more questions when they are curious instead of finding out from Billy or Amanda down the block who may, or may not, have correct information.

Yeah, I agree. That's why I said to "answer what they ask." Short, and to the point. No need to elaborate with all the details. You should have heard the amount of detail a friend of mine went into with her 3-year-old when he asked how the baby would come out of his mommy's tummy.

As for the Billy and Amanda - that is hilarious! Jake would be a much better source.

[Darthvader]

Yeah, I agree. That's why I said to "answer what they ask." Short, and to the point. No need to elaborate with all the details. You should have heard the amount of detail a friend of mine went into with her 3-year-old when he asked how the baby would come out of his mommy's tummy.

As for the Billy and Amanda - that is hilarious! Jake would be a much better source.

What boring answers. Why don't you just hand them a copy of Grey's Anatomy and let them go from there.

[MrsTuffPaws]

I have a (male) friend that lost his virginity at age 8, to another 8 year old girl. Too bad for him, because he didn't get another shot at it until after age 20. I have another (female) friend that says they often had "sex orgies" in the 3rd grade...during recess. I know we remember things differently from our childhood as we age, but strange things do happen.

I had a boyfriend from K-5th grade. I liked him because he was basically my slave, and would do ANYTHING for me. The down side was, he would beat up any other little boys that ever tried to talk to me. I ended up being kinda shy.

[Jenncez]

I liked boys in Kindergarten! We had "boys chase girls" days and "girls chase boys" days. LOL!
I also remember kissing a boy or he kissed me, I don't remember which way...but that was in kindergarten.
My neice is 5 and in kindergarten and she's kissed a boy and says he is her boyfriend.