What is the proper age to inform a child where babies come from?

Question

BobbieBoy666 · Accepted Answer

What age to tell kids where babies come from?

4-5 years: what to say about sex, sexuality and bodies

Children aged 4-5 years often ask where babies come from. They can understand that a baby grows in a uterus, and that to make a baby you need a sperm (like a tiny seed) and an ovum (like a tiny egg).

But kids are definitely ready to know about pregnancy and reproduction by age five especially if they are asking questions. Plus, children generally only take on the information they're ready for and filter out the rest, so if you slip up and say something you don't think you should have – don't worry.

There isn't a single "proper" age to inform a child about where babies come from, but it's generally recommended to start these conversations in elementary school, when children are more capable of understanding and processing more information. The key is to be open, available, and use age-appropriate language.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Preschool (4-5 years):
Children at this age are starting to ask questions about where babies come from. You can explain the basics, like a baby grows in a uterus and that a sperm and egg are needed.
Elementary School (6-8 years):
Children are often ready for a more detailed explanation, including how a baby develops in the womb and how it's brought into the world.
Older Elementary School and Beyond:
As children get older, they can understand more complex concepts, including the roles of sperm and egg in fertilization, and you can delve deeper into human reproduction.
Key considerations:
Be a safe resource: Children should feel comfortable asking you questions and getting answers.
Use age-appropriate language: Avoid medical jargon and use simple, clear language they can understand.
Answer their questions honestly: Don't be afraid to be direct and factual, but don't overwhelm them with too much information at once.
Be prepared for questions to arise at different ages: Some children may be curious earlier than others, and you should be ready to answer their questions as they come.
Start early: Introducing basic concepts early can normalize these conversations and make it easier for your child to ask questions as they get older.
Don't be embarrassed: Embarrassment can make children feel uncomfortable and less likely to ask questions. Your own emotions can impact how your child perceives the information.
Don't be afraid to use books and resources: There are many age-appropriate books and resources that can help you explain where babies come from.

exitseven · Accepted Answer

Kids should find out about all that stuff from the older kids in the neighborhood like I did.

DishLady · Accepted Answer

5 is usually old enough to explain the VERY SIMPLE basics (especially if a sibling is on the way). The kid is old enough to know about mom and dad's "special hugging" and that somehow that leads to the kid bopping around in mom's tummy. By 10 the PG-13 version should be shared with the kid (especially young ladies who are starting to "blossom" and feel super uncomfortable about all the new shifts and changes). By 13-15 most kids already know some stuff, so better to educate them properly than to let therm think that the junk their goofy friends are telling them are true...

IslaTheWitch · Accepted Answer

when they ask...

Screenwriter · Answer

Start early, but gauge it to the age of the child. At 3 and 4 say babies grow inside mommies and when it's time they come out. At 5 or 6 you can say an egg in the mother and a sperm in the daddy get together and make a baby. By age 7-8 kids will ask for a few more details, then by age 9-10 you can give them scientific facts.

By 12 they've hit puberty and you can offer them books they can read and tell them to come and ask you questions for further details and discuss love and emotions involved.

Each stage means broad strokes at first, and then details and each child will want a different approach.

When you see eyes glazing over, you've told them enough. And ask open ended questions. "Is that enough information for you?" And if you don't know the answer, say you'll have to find out for them.

Razp_Sorbet · Answer

Whenever they start asking or showing curiosity about their bodies. Usually this is about age 4. Obviously you tell them in an age appropriate way and keep the discussion line open as they get older you explain more in depth according to their age and what they need to know.

E. g a 4 year old doesn't need to know HOW to make a baby. All they need to know is when two people love eachother romantically they can have baby which goes in the mummy's tummy. Usually that's good enough for them.

Around age 7/8 is when you should start having the puberty talk which can also include a bit more of an indepth discussion of how babies are made.

All through this you should be teaching your child the correct terminology for their private areas and what is and isn't a safe touch.

Miristheiss · Answer

Answer their questions honestly with age appropriate verbiage and explanations. If they ask at age 5 you don't give them the full graphic details but something watered down in child appropriate terms. I think in most cases kids will ask about this to where you can just answer their questions and you don't have to have an "official" talk at age 10 or 11.

AviatorTom · Answer

There is no proper age, it's a continuum. Children generally start wondering where babies come from when they are 2 years old, and the answer is simple, mommies have them. It's important, as a parent, yo answer your child's questions, as simply as possible, so as not to confuse them. As they get older, the questions, and discussions, get more specific and detailed.

NotLongKindaGirthy · Answer

It's never too early for a child to know about that. I've known about the stork since I was two years old.

Mind you, I've never actually seen a stork flying with a baby. And I'm a little confused about why the stork has to deliver the baby to a hospital, instead of just dropping it off at the mother's house. But I definitely understand the basics.

Anonymous · Answer

13-15 , though I’d discuss topics touching upon the responsibilities, special care, and money that goes into having & raising a kid. As they get older 16-18, birth control & contraception & abortion too. I’d educate whether male or female.

I can’t control what they do in their lives, though I can make it so it is easy for them to navigate the world and make good decisions for themselves.

aceleon · Answer

When they asked.

İt is stupid to coddle them, make them understand certain things before they made a fool out of themselves.

Saying this probably after you decide to have your last kid so they won't be as disgusted by you.

NathanDavis · Answer

school does it well enough... gradually, as it should be

clampfan101 · Answer

I’d say the whole story should come at 10-13yo, but can and likely should be told more vaguely the younger they are before that. (Such as “From heaven.” or “From mommy’s tummy.”, both of which are very true.)

Nikki1989 · Answer

Hopefully, you have made your child read and read often. If so, chances are he/she will know without you having to say anything.

MemeSupreme · Answer

do parents actually talk to their kids about it feel like we all learn about it on our own

bolverk · Answer

In my family we have always answered questions from our children in age appropriate terms, when ever they ask, usually they do not ask all of the questions in one go.

MrChinaski · Answer

Parental discretion. Suffice to say they should know before they are in a position to make their own children.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

When you're pregnant and they're old enough to ask.

Andrewsmith14 · Answer

When they ask. If it’s only where they come from and not how they are made.

loveyouoak · Answer

They already learn these things in biology class, so I think they should research them themselves.

Smegskull · Answer

Depends on the child. It's a parent's job to understand their child's maturity and learning needs during their growth.

Aiko_E_Lara · Answer

As young as they can but also teach them about the risk.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

When they're mature enough to ask and process the information.

slatyb · Answer

When they ask, or puberty, whichever comes first.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

When the kid asks where they come from :)

Titanic1912 · Answer

My dad had “the talk” with me when I was 12.

chocolatetwopointo · Answer

they’ll find out sooner or later

Anonymous · Answer

Before puberty, they should be prepared.

4ngelic · Answer

8 or so

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