Seven year old asks bad question?

Question

I was babysitting for about five hours for my seven year old little cousin. We settled in to watch a movie and she started asking me some odd questions. I answered them all pretty well exept for one. She some how heard about s*x at school and asked me what it was. I was in a pretty uncomfortable spot. I told her that I'd tell her when she's abut 10 or 11(we're very close) . SHe kept bugging me though. What should I say to her?

Answer 1

Talk to her parents and ask them what they would like you to tell her.  It's too risky to tell her the truth just in case her parents don't want her to know just yet.  I would ask their advice, and do what they tell you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Telling kids that they'll have to wait until they're older doesn't really do much but prompt them to ask more questions.

I agree with everybody else. Honestly, it is the parents' job to inform her. If you attempt to explain it, it could come back to haunt you.

Some parents would be offended that an attempt was made to broach the subject with their child, I'm sure.

Tell her that while it's a pretty interesting subject,her parents would probably like to talk with her about it.

I would then tell the parents, without her there, that she's been asking questions. Just let them know so that they can be prepared to have a chat about the birds and bees.

I'm pretty sure that she's already been told things at school. Unfortunately, it's probably the wrong things.

Addressing the subject will clear up alot of confusion for her...by her parents.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Without a doubt you should ask your aunt or uncle if they have spoken to her about it or not. Some parents want their children to know early and some don't it also depends on what you explain many people say s*x is a special 'hug' that adults have to make a baby. at the age of seven it would be OK to say this but when they get to 10 its better to explain it a bit more.

Answer 4

Ask mommy and daddy!

Answer 5

It's not an unusual question.  Kids this age see and hear things from not only from other adults and kids, but TV.  I have a 7 year old daughter, and although she has never asked me this question, my response to her would be:

"Well, honey, s*x is something that a man and a woman share together.  It's intimate, they are in love and it's only shared between adults.  When you are older, you will learn more but for right now that's all you need to know."

Answer 6

This is not a "bad" question for a 7 year old to ask....but it definitely isn't your job to answer...let your aunt know she asked

Answer 7

You should say "I think that's something that you should ask your mom and dad about."

Answer 8

try to change the subject u dont want her growing up noing shes gonna wanna do it since she grew up waiting to so the longer u she no the worse

Answer 9

I would simply speak with her parents regarding the innocent question. Kids are just curious about stuff like that and if you treat it like its a taboo, it could instill in her certain attitudes regarding s*x (most likely unfavourable attitudes).

I would leave it to her parents to discuss it with her though as it is something that her parents should decide to tell her when they feel she is ready.

Answer 10

when a boy fairy and a girl fairy really like each other and are married and want children like you the boy fairy and the girl faiy sleep in the same bed and kiss all nice then the baby comes in the mail.

lol i just took out the really detailed stuff cause my friend made this up!!!

Answer 11

This is a tough one and I have had 5 kids. Yikes. Maybe tell her something like " It's something Married Couples share when they are in Love and it is very private (personal)and special".  It's too bad kids these age have to be exposed to this stuff whether it be at school or TV. Even the PG shows seem to have sexual innuendos. Good Luck!

Answer 12

I would be honest with her. Although be appropriate for her age level. For a seven year old I would just say that it's a special way that mummies and daddies kiss when they are very much in love. I would also warn her parents that she's curious so they can prepare for future questions.

Answer 13

Acknowledge her feelings about curiousity etc...tell her you had the same kind of questions at her age....then say that's something we can talk to mommy about.

AND if they are teaching this at school, I'm surprised a letter wasn't sent home....if she heard something in the school yard...you need to tell her mom to have "the talk" sooner than later.

Good luck!

Answer 14

Let the parents talk to them about that.  You could wind up in trouble

Answer 15

I would just tell her it was a grown up thing and she would have to ask her parents about it.

telling a child that s*x is kissing isnt a very good idea in my opinion....do you ever kiss in front of your child? because i can fully see them going to school and saying...ohhh i saw mommy and daddy having s*x on the couch last night! after a kiss shared between you two  lol.

Answer 16

That is the parent's job. They will want to know about this, so please tell them. Might be nothing or might be a sign that there is something "bad" being done. Tell her parents, they will respet and thank you for it!

Answer 17

Tell her she should ask her mother and father first.  Or, if she is not comfortable with that - advise her that all 4 of you could sit down and answer that question if she feels better if you were there.   Either way - parental involvement is essential.  Unless her parents are completely aloof.

I wouldn't even tell her you will talk with her around 10-11.  The parents need to know what she knows and know what the kids are discussing at school.

She will keep bugging you because it is something you won't tell her.  Every kid will do that.  Just be firm and state over and over that you will not discuss it because it is a matter that should be taken care of with her parents.  Consistency will get through to her.

Answer 18

I would say to her that that's a question she needs to ask her mum or dad (and tell them right now that she asked you and that's what you said and ALL you said).

Answer 19

You shouldn't tell her anything...her parents should be the ones who discuss this with her.  You need to tell them about the questions she asked, and the answers you gave her...and that you didn't answer the s*x question.

Answer 20

tell her parents the questions she's asking and let them handle it.

Answer 21

just tell her to ask her parents.. they wlll konw exacly what to say

Answer 22

Tell her parents.  It's not your business to tell her.

Answer 23

It's not your job to tell her about s*x. I'd appreciate you telling me that she's asking, but if you answered her, I'd fire you in a heartbeat.

Know your boundaries.

Answer 24

Inform the parents that their child is asking these types of questions regarding s*x. It would not be wise for you to give the child any information about this subject.

Answer 25

just tell her, she'll find out soon anyway with modern society

Answer 26

Just tell her. Or have her parents tell her.

IDK why there's a need to shelter children from the facts. Knowing what s*x is isn't going to ruin her innosence and childhood.

Answer 27

Man and woman have a 'special cuddle', that should do for a seven yr old. 9 Months later a baby is born.

The fact that you hide away confirms the eternal taboo surrounding reproduction.

Answer 28

tell her to ask her mom or dad

Answer 29

Tell her the truth.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as a "bad" question. It may make you uncomfortable but there are few things worse than ignorance, at any age. Children have no taboos about s*x that they don't learn from adults. If you deal with it in a frank, factual manner, there is no need for embarrassment.

Hope this helps.

TV

EDIT - I missed the fact that you are the babysitter, not the parent. I would refer her to the parents. Although I stand by my original opinion, the parents may not agree and, ultimately, it is their decision.

Answer 30

Tell her to ask her parents and that its not your place to say.

Answer 31

Tell her the truth.  That s*x is for adults and that you don't know what her mom and dad are comfortable with her knowing right now and that she should ask them because you don't want them getting upset with you.