At what age do i sit them down?

Question

At what age should i sit my kids down and have "The Talk" with them? My 5 yr old son asked me a question about S-E-X but his meaning is kissing. They're learing early and didn't know when would be a good time....

Answer 1

I would say as soon as they are ready. At the age of 5 I would explain maybe the differences between girls and boys but not much else as they cant understand it.

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Answer 2

There is no particular age when you're talking about little kids. My mother never gave me "the talk". But because I took health in the 3rd grade, I already knew what s*x was and how babies were made.

I have a 9yr old son and is pregnant with my second child. When he asked me how the baby got in my stomach, I had to tell him. I don't sugar coat things so I told him flat out about love, s*x, and how the two relate. He thought it was one of the grossest things in the world. But I'm glad I talked to him because he thought s*x was kissing with no clothes on (thanks to some of the kids at his school) and I refuse to have an ignorant child who's oblivious to the realities of life.

Answer 3

Wait till they are in 5th grade, thats when boys and girls get the usual talk. Tell them it is a surprise, and you will tell them when they are a 5th grader. To early is no good. They will become curious and may do things they shouldn't.

Answer 4

just tell him about kiss and cuddles for now he has time to know about the rest let him have his childhood first

Answer 5

One big talk is sort of a myth.  Many little talks according to their questions and age are much more appropriate.  Just answer their questions and see if they want more information.  They probably wont.

While it is impossible to filter everything your child hears, it is rather concerning that a 5 year old is referring to kissing as s*x.  Try to investigate where he picked up this language and shield him from exposure to a lot of inappropriate language and topics, whether it's tv, much older siblings, adult conversations he shouldn't be hearing, etc.

Answer 6

I don't think there is a certain age but whenever they question it, that is the time.  I always tell my son the truth when it comes to something like that.  I would rather him learn the right way and from his parents before learning it on the street.

Answer 7

My advice would not be to schedule a time for THE talk, but rather make it ongoing dialogue.  My seven year old has been asking more questions every year; I'm sure yours will only start asking more questions, too.  But they're too young to understand everything, or even most things.  So, when they ask questions, just answer them, but answer them with concepts they'll understand.  My 5 year-old understands the external differences between boys and girls.  When he asked what "s*x" meant I defined it in terms of gender, whether someone is a boy s*x or a girl s*x.  We've also had conversations about appropriate relationships and divorce since some of his friends are living in that situation.  He knows that people are supposed to promise to be together and to keep that promise.  We've also talked about private parts.  He knows he's not supposed to pee outside like he did when he was three.  He knows some things are not to be shown to friends.  I suspect next month and next year there will be even more questions.  I'll answer those when they come.  Trying to cover "Everything" in one talk is impossible anyway and extremely overwhelming for kids (and parents).

Answer 8

You should talk to your kids every day.  When your child asks a question, answer him/her but don't go into details.  You have to be discrete.

Answer 9

"X is when grown ups hug and kiss and tell each other how much they love each other... not little kids"

Answer 10

Its really easier to just answer questions as the come, naturally, that way when they're older you don't overwhelm them with a whole bunch of info all at once.  If your 5 year old thinks kissing is s*x, just explain that kissing is kissing and s*x is something else, I wouldn't give him the whole detailed version of s*x yet..

Answer 11

first u need to find out what they want to know like u said s*x-kissing two totally different things.the actually s*x talk shouldnt happen til 10 or 11.find out what hes talking about only give him the basics it may satify him them

Answer 12

NOW!,if your kids don't know about this stuff than the're gonna be exposed in the wrong way.It's better to hear it from you than from someone else.What if a child in their class tries to have S-E-X with them??? Tell them it's at least wrong to do stuff like that,that way they'll know what to do if it happens.

Answer 13

I think around 10 or eleven. Yes, they hear of these things early, but the schools teach virtually nothing, and below ten the child (no matter how developed mentally) is not fully capable of understanding. Also, when you tell them later, they are more likely to understand and apply it to themselves. I bought my daughter the book "where babies come from" which is a cute, animated lesson on babies and the "s-word"

Answer 14

If you answer their questions opening, honestly, and at an age appropriate level, there will be no need for "The Talk."

So if your five year old is asking about kissing, answer that question.

The less of a big deal you make out of it, the better your kids will learn.

Answer 15

Don't teach him according to age, but according to maturity. Give him the information he requests, nothing more nothing less.Too much will confuse him, too little will confuse him more.

Good Luck and God Bless