My 5 year old son has started asking some tough questions about his body...I'm mostly wondering if anyone has any resources or books they recommend for dealing with these topics with young children. I, of course, want to provide him with sufficient and accurate information but feel that some guidance would be very helpful. I want to make sure to answer his questions without giving him "too much" information at such a young age.
I'd appreciate any recommendations of resources you've found helpful--Thanks!
Thanks for the help everyone. You all pretty much confirmed what my husband and I were thinking and planning on doing. Our son is very intelligent and inquisitive so I think you're all right--the honest, factual and brief approach is probably best. I also appreciated the suggestion about the Christian book because sometimes science, body talk and religious beliefs don't mesh super easily. (I'll be sure to check it out)
Thanks again!!!
Dr. James Dobsom - "Rasing Boys", and Rick Johnson's "That's My Son" Both are very good and informative
sahm of 3 (two boys ages 6 & 4)
I have a girl, so my advice may not be too appreciated, but I'll offer it anyway :). If I were you, I'd answer his questions fully, but I wouldn't add any extra information (depending on the questions, of course). My mom gave my brother and me both a book when it came to answering the tough questions, and looking back, I wish she'd have just talked candidly to me when I asked a question instead of turning to a book every single time. It made me feel like she didn't know what she was talking about or that she was embarrassed, and that caused me to ask less questions about things I was curious about.
I've heard good things about this book: How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0891097511?tag=eclectichomescho&...
And I think you are right in that they need just basics at this age, very basic. They just aren't ready for it. Good luck to you.
I have a 10-year-old son. When he began asking questions, I tried to be very matter-of-fact about the whole thing. I just answered his questions using words you would use in a biology course, without going beyond what he really wanted to know. Eventually he asked about sex around age 8, and his father and I explained it briefly but accurately in a very matter of fact way. (Obviously we added that this was something between a husband and wife.)
It was a little hard for me at first, but because my parents were obviously too embarrassed to EVER discuss it, I really wanted to raise my kids differently. I'm sure you want him to know he can ask you anything, because you will give him accurate information unlike what he may learn from other kids.
Just keeps the answers brief and factual at this age, and you'll be fine.
Being raised in a family of 4girls and then having 2 boys myself I had and still have no idea how the male body,emotions etc work and when my boys started asking me those questions that I had no idea about I would tell them 'I dont know' we will have to ask your father since he is a male and boy at one time...so long ago.So that is what I did..had father answer those questions.I'm sure if you went to your local library or book store they could help you out on the subject also...good luck..
S. B
Hi R.! I have a great book for you! Raising Boys-by Doctor James Dobson. It is perfect for boys! Hope it helps!
D. S.
I have 4 boys so I know all about the questions lol. I went to Books a Million and found tons of books. I can't suggest a specific book because there are so many that provide so much info. I would just go to Books a Million and look through them and see what one you are comfortable with. I had to get one on making babies because there was a pregnancy that my son was wondering about. You might not need to get one so graphic yet. Good luck.
S.~ Mother to 4 boys & childcare provider.
R., If you check with your local library they should be able to assist you with that. I can't remember names and authors but these books are out there. I had to collect a few for a CDA class I was in before. You would be amazed at what they have now. Potty training books, divorce books, gay parent books, books about death, new babies, anything you want really. Did you try the internet? It may give you authors to make your search easier. M.
R.,
Hi. There is a great resource out there called "Raising Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. I have seen the video series, and there is also a book, and I bet it probably comes in a DVD version, too. There is a Family Health Resource too. You can go the their website and get all kind of christian parenting info and marriage and family info too.
The web address is: focusonthefamily.org
Hope this helps.
I have a 10 year old and am a substitute teacher in Memphis, Tennessee.
Good Luck,
K.
R.~
Any book by Dr. Dobson should be a great help to you, as well.
Blessings,
S.
There is an excellent book called "That's My Son". You can get it from the Christian book store. It's written for moms to help them learn about their boys. It taught me so much. I have 2 girls-11 & 8- and my son, 6- he really through me for a loop about a year and a half ago. I found this book and it answered all my questions.
Just ONLY answer the real question -- honestly and directly. Don't elaborate. He'll ask what he wants to know. There's no need to have fear. We're bombarded in our society with so much sensual 'entertainment' and such a big deal is made over our bodies that we're all intimidated, to a degree, don't you think? Try pretending that you're in some third-world country without all the 'stigma' that we encounter and where the answers would be the very same! Don't 'sweat it'! It's all the natural process of learning.
I have three boys ages 18, 16, and 3 and a daughter age 11. When they ask a question I answer it. I try to keep responses to questions about their bodies real matter of fact and age appropriate information. I don't give them more information than they asked for. You know the answers to their questions. Just put the answer in "kid language" and tell them the answer. Trust your own gut instincts.
im so sorry that i dont know the exact name of the books, but Christian book stores have a series about our changing bodies. it may be called how we change. they are separated into age groups beginning with age 2 and going all the way through puberty. they are boys and girls in the same book, so you can just read the boy sections to him, but all of it is so basic and informative, without being inappropriate for the age level.
Howdy R., you're little one sounds just as curious as my 5 yr old. One of the best body books for children I've run accross is Uncover The Human Body by Luann Colombo. Although it's rated for ages 8 and up, it is constructed in such a way to be flexible and interesting for younger ones. It has a model that let's you see the systems. and wonderful captions that are short, simple, and to the point. We've been using it for about 3 years now and modify what we say based on what he's interested in. I found it on clearance at WaldenBook Store in Fayette Mall, but I dont' think I've seen it recently.
Hey R.,
I have successfully raised a boy to the age of 22 so I have a little knowledge that I can remember (ha). I don't know of any books right off the top of my head, but I will check into it. I do remember that the simple answers were best when he was young and then we just added to the answers as time went by. However, when he became a teenager, he quit talking wiht me and sought male advice. I was a single mom, so his uncle was one of his resources.
Good luck and if you should ever want advice or just someone to vent to, please feel free to contact me. I have a daughter 26 and two younger ones, 7 & 8, so I have tons of experience!
