h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If a child is ready to ask a question, then s/he is ready to be told an answer. Not a fabricated half-truth brought up in an embarassed rush from the bowels of parental fear that their little angel is growing up too fast, but a straightforward response that respects their trust in you for asking the first place, and which leaves them reassured that you will help them again if they need you.

How you tell them directly correlates with how they will view the subject, long term. If you avoid it, they will categorise it as taboo (not a healthy attitude); if you cover it up with pink fluffy Disney fantasy, such will be their naivety; if you react by questioning angrily where they heard of such things, they will reach adulthood as sexually repressed as you probably were.

Let's not patronise our kids; let's teach them exactly what they ask to know.

I totally agree.

Don't talk about birds and bees (unless your child wants to know where all those birds come from). It just complicates explaining the facts of life, as you'll have to explain simmilarities and differences.

Right, but do take into account the age of the child. A question asked by a four year old calls for a simple, clear answer appropriate for his/her age. The very same question asked by an eight or twelve year old deserves more detail.

I find if I anwer them in a casual, matter of fact manner, my kids do not hesitate to ask for more detail or clarification. (Although I do get the ocassional "eeeewwwwwwwww!" )

By telling your children about sex, you can directly get across your values -- whatever they might be -- regarding it.

I agree that if you are open and honest it will effect the way they see the subject in the long term. Encourage questions, listen to them. Make them feel comfortable talking to you about it.

Kids will hear this stuff anyway in the playground, or see it on TV. You can't pretend it's not going to come up, but neither can you trust that they have reliable information unless you give that information yourself.

The best way to prepare your child for their teenage years is to provide an environment where they feel comfortable enough to approach you with questions about sex. The surest defence against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy is accurate information and an open line of communication. The stakes are too high to allow this subject to be ignored, and after all, why should it be? Treat it like any other subject you'd give your child information on and avoid the hangups and misinformation that can cause so many problems later.