Isn't my kid too young for this conversation??

Source: @gfishandnuggets/X

I get it — 6 can sound WAY too young to be having a discussion about how babies get inside tummies. 

Especially if you had a parent try to have "the talk" with you right before you got married (or didn't get a "talk" at all).

But here's the thing: If a kid is asking about it, that means they are likely ready for at least some version of that conversation. 

If a kid is asking about it, that means they are likely ready for at least some version of that conversation.

And good news is, there's less pressure to get it "right" because, ideally, there will be lots of future conversations; they will look different as your child grows and can process different information.

If you're concerned about accidentally sharing more detail than they are ready for, that's completely understandable.

However, it also likely isn't something to worry about: my one professor at my undergrad institution said something to the effect of, "If their eyes glaze over, you've gone too far."

Does that mean you have to tell them everything you know if they ask you about sex—or whatever topic they've asked about? Of course not. 

What this does mean is that you have the green light to talk to your kiddos in an age-appropriate way about the topic they've asked about. And, of course, do so in a way that is (reasonably) comfortable for you.

Source: Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash

You have the green light to talk to your kiddos in an age-appropriate way about the topic they've asked about. 

If you're a bit uncomfortable, that's totally fine! Figure out what's doable for you and work on expanding your comfort zone. 

And because topics like sexuality should be ideally discussed "early and often", you will hopefully have lots of future opportunities to practice stepping outside that comfort zone. 

Want something you can reach for when these questions come up? Curiosity is your friend here. Consider saying something like "What makes you ask?" or "What do you already know/what have you heard?"

This way, you will know where their head is at before giving them any additional information. 

Source: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

Wondering how to know what information is "age-appropriate" and what might be over their head at the moment?

I made an $8 Quick-Reference Guide you can review before your kiddo comes to you with a sexuality-related question (or even after telling your kiddo that you'll come back with more info).

Click here to take a look!

*Note: You know your child best! While the quick-reference guide is informed by general guidelines suggested by researchers and experts, I acknowledge that kids vary in their maturity and understanding.

Feel free to adjust and adapt as feels appropriate.