My son is 7 years old and he heard the word sex on TV. Sometimes she asks what it is. How can I best explain this to him? He knows that when there is sex, people undress.
Mrs. Kingo! Rule of thumb when talking to children: always be specific and stick to the questions. The child does not expect a "lecture", only a short, concise answer to his question. Of course, you mustn't lie either, but there's no need to expand on the topic. I would answer truthfully: sex is Latin for sex. If asked what is it? To explain that people are either women or men - that's gender. If he asks further, say what are the differences in their construction - like a son and his friends or mom and dad. And so on. You will be surprised that a short, specific answer is enough for a child. In a few years, she will ask for more. We call this principle "following the child". Always honestly, but only in accordance with the question and as short as possible. Regards
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Beata CiesielskaA specialist sexologist, expert witness. member of the European and Polish Society of Sexual Medicine, Polish Society of Andrology, Association for Good Clinical Research Practice. Admissions at a private office in Łódź (by appointment, tel. 0501 019 578).
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