How to Explain to Your Children Where Babies Come From
Explaining to your children where babies come from may seem like a complicated task. It’s normal for your little one to be curious about the subject, so don’t be alarmed! In the following article, we’ll tell you how to approach it.
When our children begin to be more aware of what surrounds them, of the world they live in, dozens of questions begin to arise in their heads. Ideally, as mothers, we should be prepared to always give them timely answers, but above all, answers that are as realistic as possible.
It’s important to remember that we’re examples and role models for our kids. So, the more sincere we are, the more confidence our children will have in us and they’ll know that they can always ask us anything. This way, you’ll be taking care of them and educating them because a child with the right information and training is less vulnerable.
When faced with the question: “Mom, where do the kids come from?”, we may be surprised, laugh, or sweat a bit, but you don’t have to worry. Understand that the arrival of this type of question is inevitable. This will help you assimilate it in a better way and not show ignorance to your child. Don’t let it catch you by surprise. You should see it for what it is, an absolutely natural act of curiosity.
Where do children come from, Mom?
Where babies come from is a question that will undoubtedly cause curiosity in your children. The birth of a sibling or cousin will make them wonder how they came into the world. When the question arises, you have to answer them and be prepared for other questions that arise around the same thing.
Now that we know that touching the subject will be mandatory at some point and that we can’t be caught off guard, there are some aspects to consider when giving an answer about where babies come from: The age of your child, where you are when the question comes up, and who’s around.
The language you’re going to use will depend on the age of your child. The older they are, the more explicit you can be. If, on the other hand, you’re talking to a small child, your words can be more subtle or perhaps you can use analogies. But leave any myths like the old stork story aside.
Children are coming into the world smarter and smarter, so don’t underestimate them.
The question of where babies come from may come at the wrong time and place, but it’s up to you to handle the situation properly. The supermarket may not be the right place to have this conversation, especially if you’re ordering at the deli and you’re surrounded by a lot of people. It’s definitely not the ideal scenario, but it can happen.
Children are spontaneous and should be treated as such. If you feel that this isn’t the right place, let them know that you’ll be happy to answer their questions in a quiet place where you can have a full discussion.
An explanation for every age
- Between 3 and 4 years of age, questions begin to arise, and if your child asks, it’s because they’re capable of receiving the answer. In these cases, it’s best to make some analogy like the sowing of a seed, in addition to telling him how they kicked in your tummy or moved inside you. They’ll like it.
- If the child is between 5 and 6 years old, the questions are usually a little more specific, so don’t be afraid to call each thing by its name. Some books or illustrations can be tremendously useful to explain to your child where children come from. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
- Around the ages of 7 and 8, children are more aware of their bodies and of the clear differences between boys and girls. They know that boys have a penis and girls have a vagina, so the language you use should be clearer.
- At 9 and 10 years old, they already have an idea about sex and you need to explain to them that children come into the world when parents have a degree of maturity and above all, in an act of love that’s felt by both parties.
Listen to your child carefully, sometimes a simple answer is enough to clear up all their doubts. Don’t try to divert the conversation or cut it short, as that will only amplify their concern. Don’t be surprised if once they receive an answer, they don’t bring up the subject again. The important thing is that you’re always there to give them the right information.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Ambrosi, L., & Chacel, L. A. Y. H. (2013). ¡ YA VIENE UN BEBÉ! Cómo se forma, se desarrolla y nace un bebé. Explicación para niños que preguntan, guía para padres que responden (Versión […]. Bubok.
- Morales, G. H., & Guijarro, C. J. (2003). La educación sexual de la primera infancia: guía para madres, padres y profesorado de educación infantil (Vol. 155). Ministerio de Educación.
