My daughter just finished reading 'The Care And Keeping Of You' book from American girl. She loved it and now is saying she is ready for another book, maybe with a little more information. So, I went and looked around are local bookstore,(Powells Book Store). I found a great book called 'The What's Happening To My Body Book For Girls' by Linda Madaras, but I have 1 concern. The first chapter is about "Making Babies" and there is a lot of other content, that involves talking a little bit about sex. I don't think it will make her do anything like get pregnant younger, but, I don't know if I want her reading all about that sort of thing. What do you think? (Sorry this was so long!)
I am going to go ahead and buy the book, and I have told her a little bit about sex and other things. She is 11, and the only thing is, my daughter talks about everything she hears or sees or even reads. I just don't want her to blurt out about sex all the time. I am perfectly fine with her reading it, I just hope she doesn't talk about it.~ Thanx for your answers~L.
Information in the right context is great. I think being informed is good. I also think that not treating it as a secret or bad thing might help her talk to you about it more when the time comes.
When a child is old enough to know about her period she had best be informed about sex. I believe sex is a normal part of life. Children don't run to explore it just because they know it exists. If it is hidden and only whispered about there is far more allure.
I read books about reproduction to my children at an early age and answered their questions. They had a knack for asking their father the questions I would have been hard put to answer. He was very natural about telling them things and making them laugh.
If anything good information and a few words about backing your daughter up if there is ever a need will keep her childbearing years far in the future.
My opinion is that if kids are old enough to ask, they are old enough to hear the answers. Otherwise, they'll get the info from their friends, and I'd rather be the one she gets this from. I've been very open about sex with my daughter, and she's always let me know when she's heard enough. She just turned 9 this week and we've talked all about sex. She may not understand it all quite yet, but we have a continuing conversation about all things about puberty, growing up, relationships, and sex.
The average age for girls to start their period now is 11. I don't know how I would explain having periods without explaining babies and how they are made...
Let her read the book. If she doesn't get accurate information from a book she will get inaccurate information from friends, tv, and the internet. Better you should know what information she is getting than not know what information she is getting. And you can always talk about what she has read (and you can read it too).
Live your values so that when you make a value statement she knows you really believe what you say.
I got a book similar in title to your second one called What's Happening to Me? That had both male and female changes in it. The book was good because I have one of each and it explained what went on.
As far as the part about pregnancy and sex if she is around 9 she should be aware of these things. Some kids this young are pregnant and don't understand how this happened. So it is best to arm your child with the best information possible of a reliable source than to have them get it from the playground crew.
She will be fine learning a bit more as this will help her stay ahead of the game and stay out of trouble.
Good luck to both of you.
The other S.
Think about it. How old is your child? Is there going to be a better time?
I have found so many of the girls I went to school with were just given the basic information, just like me. When we got married we weren't shocked but, did we really understand our bodies? No, we did not.
I think it's healthy for girls to understand their bodies, how they work and that it's ok to ask questions. Be honest with yourself, would you have wanted your mom to give you more information? Give her the information she asks for, make sure it is age appropriate. Then keep the lines of communication open. Don't make sex dirty. Make it about love and commitment.
I agree, if she is old enough to know about puberty, she is old enough to know about babies. I have a 10yr old (she'll be 11 this summer) and I've gotten her the American Girl book too for her to read as and icebreaker for future conversations. I guess for me, I'm not ready for her to know how babies are made either but I'd rather her read about it mater of fact like from and book and come to me with questions/concerns rather than learn about it from hearsay from other kids or who knows where. Maybe you could read that section with her that way if she has any questions or you want to comment further on something, you are both right there to address it.
Good luck!
S.
Wouldn't it be better to learn from you and a book or from other kids, who know nothing, or from the tv? This is a good learning opportunity for both of you.
If she is old enough to know about puberty, she is old enough to know how babies are made. You didn't mention the age of your daughter. If there's a part of the book that you think is too much information, paper clip that section and tell her not to read it. Discuss with her yourself. Your daughter may already know more than you realize.
All three of my kids enjoyed the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Starting with I think, Chicken Soup for the pre-teen Soul. You don't say how old she is, but my daughter read the pre-teen one when she was 10 and loved it.
I agree with the others, you are more likely to be actually PREVENTING a teen pregnancy by keeping her honestly informed before she gets there.
Good Luck, enjoy her!
:)
