How to Talk About Sex with Your Very Young Daughter

I recommend a book by Dr. Laura Berman called "Talking to your Kids About Sex." It is for the parents, and explains how to talk to your kids at every age. It has diagrams you can use to educate your children. She also has a radio show on XM/Sirius on the Oprah Network, which I highly recommend. The main thing she has said about this age is just give them the facts about what she asked. Don't elaborate and don't answer questions they haven't asked.

Based on her age, I think you're in for a lot more questions like this and its a great time to open the dialouge.

I think the old classic "Where Did I Come From?" is a good place to start. It's pretty basic and covers all the bases. If she's already familiar with the changes that puberty brings, it will be a natural progression to talking about reproduction. Good luck!

It is not a 1 time talk. We've been very open with communication since our daughter was very young.

We are also in the Plano ISD and 4th grade is when they have a day set aside when boys and girls are separated and the nurse talkes to each group regarding health, etc.

The main thing to me is to be honest, keeep open lines of communication so she feels comfortable to come to YOU vs her friends for info. There may be times you are embarrased (her too) so make those discussions casual, in the car, etc so you are not looking eye to eye and it might make it easier on you.

Best wishes

Don't know any particular books, but definitely hit the library. The birds and bees talk shouldn't be a one-shot deal, but an ongoing discussion - sex is much more complex than biology - there is emotion, responsibility, etc. So have open, honest discussions. Start out with the most basic answers to questions, though, cause you don't want to give a crazy involved answer if she's looking for simple. Talk to your hubby, also, because as she gets older, the male perspective on how to love/respect a woman is also a good thing.

You have already received some great responses, I wanted to just emphasize the importance of making this a conversation. Let her ask questions and try to keep focused on what exactly she is ready to tackle. Like T F said, this is not a one time conversation, they need to digest info in tidbits and throwing too much at them at once can be overwhelming. Start with just her own body and the changes she will be going through very soon, then ask her what she has heard and debunk any false information.

Good luck, I know that it feels like having this talk is a major step of letting go of your little girl, but if she is coming to you about it, she will remain your little girl for a long time!

I've been thinking that it's time to start the dialogue with my son who is 8 and in 3rd grade. Because I remember kids talking about it at that age when I was a kid and they know so much more these days. I've been planning on getting a book in the God's Design for Sex series. They have several books that are divided into the age group that your child is in.

I have shared this before, so if I sound like a broken record - so sorry:) My church did this great "birds & bees" class for moms and dads and it was based on the curriculum "Growing Kids God's Way"
They showed how discussing reproduction should be a continuous dialouge and not just a sit down and blah and now were done (which I don't believe you had any plans to do, but I know that is what my mom did LOL!)
While there were many things they discussed the one I think you could apply to this conversation is "What do you want to know?" and let her answer. Based on her answer you could also ask, "What do you think it is?" and pull from there and correct anything that is not quite right in her thinking.
Reaffirm her decision to come ask you about it and let her know if she ever has any more questions - you are there to answer them.
AND if her questions get to be more than you can handle or things you honestly don't think she is ready to hear tell her the story about the "heavy suitcase" and if she wants to ask you the same question in a few more months/years you will be wiling to discuss. Just because she wants to know doesn't mean she needs to;) I liken it to my son - just because he wants a motorcycle, doesn't mean he is ready for it.
Good luck, hope this helped a little.

Talk to the reference librarian or the children's librarian at your local library. They can also get books on inner library loan so check them out on the computer there in the library too. When you get a group of books preview them and select the ones that convey the message you want her to have.

Don't ever lie to your daughter or be afraid to give her straight answers. It may be uncomfortable for you but keep your communication lines open. It was a very positive step that she came to you with this question. Just remember to give age appropriate answers. Don't explain orgasms to a fourth grader. Just an example. Lmao Have an open discussion with her and ask her what she feels she wants to know and take her to the bookstore with you. If you have a maturation program in her school then sign her up.