Well it finally happened. My son woke up this morning and came into the bedroom and asked "Where do babies come from?" My husband and I just looked at each other. But I have been sort of expecting this as there have been little hints for the last several weeks that it was on his mind but he never came right out and asked. So I waited and planned...
My daughter asked this question around the age of 4 and I did what the experts said, answered the question but give no further information then what the question warranted. Then the experts advised wait for the child to ask the next question. But a weird thing happened my daughter never asked any more questions, not one, for the next 5 years! So I often wondered if I said too much to her, or said not enough, or worst yet listened to the wrong expert, basically beating myself up and second guessing myself. Yet another thing I didn't do correctly, so I thought.
So this time I took a different approach, listened to a different "expert" and found a book....
A few months ago while browsing a shelf of free books being given away I found this one and snap it up and took it home. I read it and then put it away for future use. **** FYI please read the reviews on Amazon before purchasing this book as it may not be the right book for you and your family.
So I called my daughter to join my son in the bedroom where we all cuddle together and got the book out of the dresser and began to read. Both children asked a few questions as I read and my husband and I answered them as matter-of-factually as we could. When the book was done we asked if there were any questions. My daughter said she knew most everything that was said and could she go read her own book now. My son had no further questions but took the book and re read it on his own. Later that evening my Husband and I got out the video "The Miracle of Life" and watched it with the children. I think most of the science stuff went right over their heads but the pictures of the different stages of the baby's development were intriguing for the children and they enjoy that part of the video. My husband and I thought it went well and are now waiting, waiting for the follow up questions from the children. So did we do it right this time? Who knows! So far no questions have been asked!
On a funny note the next day my son rushed into the bedroom and announced "I know everything about babies, now I want to know about Chocolate!"
I would love to know how your family addressed this issue, what books or resources do you use?
