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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The 'Sex Talk' for kids: how soon to start?


A few months ago, I wrote a piece for the Mamamia site.

It centred on how soon to have the 'sex talk' with kids.

After a friend posted on Facebook that her six year old son had asked: "Mummy, I know a baby is made from sperm and an egg but how does the man give the woman his sperm?" I knew I wanted to re-read the piece.

No doubt I will be needing the tips in a year or two.

Here is an excerpt:

First, I started with the big one: the birds and the bees for toddlers. How on earth do I start?

“Give them the language they need to talk about their bodies and about where babies come from.When they are learning the names of body parts, include ‘penis’ and ‘testicles’ (or ‘balls’). With girls, many parents are most comfortable starting with a general “bottom” to indicate the whole nether area, but “vagina’ and/or “vulva” should be added well before starting school. I’d suggest that by age 3½ – or whenever the child is asking questions about the genitals – start using more definite, and correct, words. Both boys and girls need the names for the sex organs of both sexes.”


Gulp. I have been trying to incorporate that into my conversations with my daughter of late. I will admit I do flinch a little when I hear myself say: “Oh, that…? That is your vagina.”


“When your children have the names for penis and vagina – and know where they are located – when the questions start about where babies come from half your work is already done,” adds Dr Gelin, who suggests intro-ing that topic by the time they’re in first grade if they haven’t already done so. Although it’s very likely that by then they’d probably have talked about their penis while with you in the bank queue. When it’s quiet. Adding that they think they’ve just peed their pants. And as your face burns, you try desperately to ignore the muffled laughter.'

You can read the rest of my story here: http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/kids-and-sex-when-is-the-right-time-to-have-the-talk/

Question is: when do you think is the right age for the sex talk? And what will you say?

Share!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Dumping kids at play centres - the new 'babysitting trend'


My mouth is agape here... are parents really doing this?

Leaving kids unattended at leisure and play centres and taking off to, I don't know, run errands, see a doctor, get nails done, have a latte?

The Herald Sun has reported that child safety commissioner Bernie Geary is 'condemning' parents for dumping kids at these venues and doing the Harry Holt (the bolt, a runner).

"It is dangerous to children and disrespectful to the people who run these facilities," says Geary.

The Herald Sun reports this is the result of parents wanting to avoid daycare costs. I think it is in fact parents having no alternative on a day they have "stuff to do" and in a moment of desperation [and complete madness] they leave them at a place where they think nobody will notice, and their kids will blend into the crowd.

I try and 'do parenting' with the following credo - never say never. That is, I try to never start a smug parenting statement with: "I would never do that to my child", because chances are, things change and maybe I will.

In this instance, I can categorically say that "I would never do that."

Seriously? Leaving kids anywhere unattended? Complete madness.

Have you heard of someone pulling this? Go on, spill.

To read more, go here:

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Jay-Z's song for Blue Ivy Carter, "Glory"


Have you heard the new song "Glory" penned by Jay-Z for his newborn baby girl Blue Ivy Carter?

It's rather sweet, cute, and full of emotion; even l'il Blue features, having a cry at around 3.20 mark. Listen:


The couple have just released a statement to US Weekly magazine:

Hello Hello Baby Blue! We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven.

“She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7lbs and it was the best experience of both our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.”

In the song "Glory" Jay-Z reveals his wife Beyonce had suffered miscarriage, with the lyrics:

"Last time the miscarriage was so tragic, was we was afraid you disappeared."

Adding: "...All the pain of the last time, prayed so hard it was the last time."

He also reveals where the bub was conceived:

"You don't yet know what swag is, but you was made in Paris, and mama woke up the next day and mama woke up the next day and shot her album package."

Which kinda made me think: who else has penned a song for their new baby?

Well, there is this one from Fugees singer Lauryn Hill, for her son Zion:


And of course this classic 'Isn't She Lovely' from Stevie Wonder for his newborn baby girl:


And this one from John Lennon called 'Beautiful Boy':


This one, too, by James Taylor called 'Sweet Baby James':


What are your faves? Any I have missed?