At what age should you talk to your child about the birds and the bees?
By: Abraar Wahab
Tags: Birds And The Bees, Childhood, Girls

There is more risk with not talking them enough than talking them too much” -Cory Silverberg

How to have the talk with my daughter?

When should you have the talk with your child?

At what age should you talk to your child about the birds and the bees?

When should I have the big talk?

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Just a few of the many questions that can be daunting for you to talk with your child. Talking about sex and puberty with your child is definitely not the easiest and is even worse not knowing, how much of it should you be talking.

Most parents do the talk when their child is 8–9 years of age. Once after the child hits puberty, it is more likely for them to have plenty of questions. With the changes happening to their body it is quite obvious they will learn about puberty and sex from their peers if not from their parents.

But, here are some valuable insights At what age should you talk to your child about the birds and the bees

0–3 Years Age

Renowned sex educator Silverberg explains the importance of talking about sex should start before children are verbal. Emphasizing that parents should adopt to incorporate the proper names for genitals like; Penis, valve, vagina clitoris bum and nipples than calling them by fancy names.

In fact, the AAP (American academy of paediatrics) explains that the use of the proper words to the genitals allows children to communicate health and injuries. Including any sexual abuse, a child could experience.

4–6 Years Age

During the preschool years, children are curious to know more about the gender especially the opposite gender as they try to compare their body with their peers. They might touch each other’s genitals while kissing, hugging and playing doctor with their peers, which is very normal and they are not adult sexual activities.

According to AAP and most sex educators, it is the ideal entry point to calmly explain and educate children, that touching others in their private parts is not appropriate. With the rise of sexual predators on young children, explaining them no other person including friends and relatives may touch their genitals.

7–9 Years Age

Dr Albright an obstetrician and gynaecologist say, this is the typical time for parents to have the talk, as children approach the age of puberty. Children are anyways going to pick up information from the internet or their peers but it creates the doubt of mind whether the sources are reliable.

Likewise, Nadine Thornhill, a sex educator elaborates the awkwardness and struggle most parents have to go through is real. Yet, it is important, to be honest, and answer their questions not to ignore and let them seek answers on their own. They can be misinformed and mislead during these times.

Teach them how to protect themselves from sexual abuse and set boundaries to their body and personal safety. The transition point of puberty is vulnerable to behavioural and emotional problems to emerge. These can include depression, substance use and abuse, anxiety and even self-harming.

Talking to kids about romantic relationships, respecting and being affectionate towards your partner, so they learn that love is connected to sexuality. The AAP says discussing with kids at this age will encourage meaningful adult relationships later.