 | ||
|
| |    Preschoolers: 'Where Do Babies Come From?' by Debra W. Haffner, M.P.H., F.S.A.M. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Some time between the ages of three and five years, your preschooler is likely to wonder aloud where babies come from. Don't panic. Even more important, don't lie to your child; made-up stories about cabbage patches and storks will teach her that you are an unreliable source of sexuality information when she eventually finds out the truth. Also try to avoid the temptation to say, "I'll tell you when you're older." You want your child to feel that she can ask you anything and that you always will give her an answer. . Simple is better Keep in mind that this is not an appropriate age for a detailed discussion of adult lovemaking or the mechanics of reproduction. Your child is looking for basic, practical, honest information. First, find out what she is really asking. You might ask, "Do you want to know the special story of how you were born?" or "Would you like to know where you come from?" (Children this age really do mean "where," by the way; it is hard for them to imagine that one day they didn't exist.) Ask your child for her theory, and then offer a simple definition: "You grew inside a special place inside your mom called a uterus." Teachable moments in action Let's look at how you can use teachable moments to help you address reproduction with your preschooler. For example, you are together when you see a pregnant neighbor or relative. You can say, "Why do you think Aunt Barbara's stomach looks that big?" Wait for an answer; find out what your child already knows. You can continue, "Inside her, in a special place called a uterus that only women have, a baby has begun to grow." Wait and see if she has more questions. Do not be surprised if your child goes away, thinks about it some more, and comes back with this question: "But, Mom, how does the baby get into the uterus?" In fact, be glad she did: It shows that she knows that you are an askable parent. You can answer, "A mom and dad are needed to start a baby. Inside the woman are tiny egg cells, each no bigger than a pencil point. Inside the man are tiny sperm cells. When the egg cell and the sperm cell come together, a baby can start." This basic information is likely to satisfy most preschoolers. However, a few precocious ones may come back and say, "I've been thinking . . . how do the egg and the sperm get together?" Again, resist the urge to panic and be happy that you have another teachable moment to introduce them to a very basic definition of intercourse. More information:
| |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
