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the birds and bees
Have you dreaded the day when you’re child says, “Mommy, where did I come from?” You knew it would happen but still hoped to somehow avoid it. Each child will approach this differently. Some children ask the question at a very young age and others don’t seem to think about it until they are much older. The way you, as parents, respond is very individual as well. I would like to encourage you, however, not to abdicate this responsibility to your child’s peers, school, or others. Helping your child understand these important issues based on your understanding and faith is an important way to build bonds that will last a lifetime. Very young children will be satisfied, for the present, with large scope answers. Something like, “Daddy and mommy love each other and God gives them a precious present.” Very soon, however, more details will be required. I highly recommend “Where Did I Come From” by Peter Mayle, et al, for this purpose. You can read it to your child and keep it as a reference to read together later. It is simple, yet clear and straightforward and will help you organize your thoughts and words. Peter Mayle, et al, also wrote another book you may wish to keep on hand when your children approach puberty. It is called “What’s Happening to Me?” Begin building a relationship with you child in which you can discuss any subject, no matter how difficult. You want your children coming to you with questions about sex and drugs (among many others) and not learning “on the street”. This will pay very high dividends.
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