Books to Teach Children Where Babies Come From
Books Are an Excellent Way to Answer Your Children's Questions
What To Do When Children Ask "Where Do Babies Come From?"
One of the stages of childhood which makes many parents uncomfortable is when they reach the moment when their children ask where babies come from. The parents do not want to teach too much or too little. They want to keep their words age appropriate, yet honest. They also want to make sure that everything they tell their children is in keeping with their personal and religious values. I remember those days when our curious children were young very well. I found it helpful to keep a few books on hand as our children reached different ages.
The best idea is to start slowly, using simple language, by reading books to your children beginning when they are very young, even as early as preschool. Later, you can give your children more information when they bring up the subject again. If you are comfortable, your children will come to you with their questions. This is far better than letting your children pick up this information from their playmates.
Most experts recommend that parents take two steps when discussing these issues with their children:
1. Do not tell your children more than they ask. If a young child asks where babies come from, simply say they grow in mommy's tummy. You do not need to say more unless they ask.
2. Read books to your children about babies, birth and related topics. In this way, you will use the correct, age-appropriate language and you will be less likely to confuse or upset them. This is generally the most comfortable way for both parents and children to handle this topic.
There are a wide variety of books available. Some are appropriate for very young children, others for elementary children or teenagers. You want to make sure you select a book that will fully answer their questions and that is also age appropriate. In addition, many parents will want to make sure the books they select also express their personal family values.
For some of these books, I did research on a conservative Christian website (Focus on the Family) to see which books they recommended. Checking with your minister or other religious leader is a good way to make sure your religious beliefs will be expressed in the books you choose.
You can find virtually any of the books you want online and it is an easy way to find appropriate books.
On Amazon and some other book sites, you can read the first few pages of any book that you consider purchasing. You can also read reviews that other parents have written. This also makes it easier for you to decide if the book you consider purchasing is right for your family.
This Is My Favorite Book for Explaining Babies and Birth to Children
Books about Babies for Young Children
Young children will ask about babies the first time a new baby is born into their extended family or in the families of your friends and neighbors. There is no way to avoid the subject. Sooner or later a new baby will be born in your family or to someone you know. Children are observant. They will notice that a woman had a "fat tummy" and now she has a baby, instead. You have to offer an explanation that seems logical to them, or they will not trust you in the future. On the other hand, preschoolers can be satisfied with an honest, but simple, answer. They often want to know how they can help take care of the baby, too.
Keep Your Values in Mind
When you discuss where babies come from with your children, you want to let them know what an amazing miracle it is to have a baby. You also want to let them know how truly special they are, and how no two babies are ever exactly the same. Even identical twins can have different personalities and other slight differences.
If you have very conservative religious beliefs, you may also want to consult a member of your clergy, or a website supported by your religion, for a book suggestion which is in keeping with your faith.
A Book for Very Conservative Parents
More Questions Your Child May Ask
If you have a son or daughter who will soon be a "big" sister or brother, they may have other questions than where the baby came from. They may be worried about what affect the baby will have on them. They may also be curious about the new member of their family.
The important thing is to make sure they are expecting the arrival of a new baby in the family.
Why Parents Should Talk to Young Children About Babies
When I was a young mother, I was driving my four year-old daughter and her five year-old friend to preschool when we passed a house with a large wooden pink stork in front. My daughter exclaimed, "Oh look, those people just had a baby girl." Those pink and blue storks were popular in our suburban neighborhood at the time, so I had already explained to her what they meant. However, I was not prepared for the five-year old in my backseat to give my daughter a quick, and fairly complete, education about how babies are made.
When I returned home that day, I realized that I needed to give my daughter a little more information than simply telling her the meaning of pink and blue wooden storks. However, I wasn't sure how much information was too much. Therefore, I sought out a few good books and occasionally read one to her as she got older. I am so glad that I handled it this way, and thought my readers would like to have access to a few appropriate books, as well.
Books for Slightly Older Children
Many children still have misconceptions and are confused about pregnancy and birth, even as they grow older. Here is an excellent book to help give them the information they need in a format they can understand.
By the time your child is becoming a pre-teen, they will have lots of questions and they will expect more detailed answers. This can be difficult for some parents, especially those who get embarrassed easily when discussing these topics. It can also be awkward for some children, especially those who are a little shy.
It can be very helpful to purchase a book that answers their questions about why their bodies are changing and what they can expect to happen in the future. You will also want one that makes a good reference book, since they can go back and reread it as they get older. This is especially helpful for shy children who may not want to keep coming to you with their questions.
A Book for Both Boys and Girls
Teaching Older Children about Values and Self-Respect
Older children need to know more than just the mechanics of where babies come from. They also need to know about values, self-respect and appropriate ways to show affection.
As your children become teens, they will be exposed to a variety of temptations. You want to make sure that you are the one to pass your values on to your teens and they don't rely solely on their peers for the information they desire.
Every home with teenagers should have a book that will help every parent discuss some of the most important issues with their children and will make it easier to discuss some of those "difficult" and embarrassing and topics.