Inquisitive 5 Yr Old Boy

Updated on May 30, 2008
A.S. asks from Bentonville, AR
11 answers

My 5yr old little boy is asking questions regarding body parts (boys and girls) and what they are used for. Any idea of a good book that I may read to him or that will give me advice on what to say....

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N.M.

answers from Texarkana on

be glad he is asking that way you can teach him right way and he not learn it somewhere else the wrong way, just find a way to explain it at his level enough to do at that time he doesn't need to know all of it just some of it enough goe his level, don't lie to him it will haunt you there are way to explain things at his age it is part of growing up. My oldest daughter was real up set at 17 months old when she discovered she got cheated on body parts down below and I just explained she had girl parts and he had boy parts that was enough, she was crying but after I explained it she was fine. But my mother lead me to believe that the stork brought babies boy was I in for a shock. but lots of kids now days don't come to the parents they go else where or the parents don't think they are old enough to know anything, bad idea when you child ask they need answers and they need they can come to you for them that way if someone tells them something different they will ask if the other person is right you would be shocked at what some kids know at age 8 good luck

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D.G.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Just simply explain using correct terminology what body parts are for. I would suggest doing something like going from head to toe next time he asks. For example, your eyes help you see, your tongue lets you taste food, your nose helps you breathe and smell things...etc. That way you will not get embarrassed to talk about other things by the time you get down there. Please use correct names for the body parts and be very matter of fact in your answers. Kids are curious and just want to find out about their world. It is adults who make the world "dirty".

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D.H.

answers from Birmingham on

Our family bought the most beautiful book series entitled:
God's Design for Sex Series,
By: Stan Jones, Brenna Jones
The First One is called "The Story of Me" it is for age 3-5
The second is called, "Before I was Born" It is for ages 5-8. We also bought the last two, called, "What's the Big Deal" and Facing the Facts". We read both of the first two books to our 8 year old daughter, 6 year old son, and three year old daughter. As of yet, it hasn't been appropriate to read the third one, as it is really more for when they start asking more specific questions. My 6 year old son actually thanked me, profusely, after reading the two books to him. He took them and read them both a couple more times. Since then, the subject hasn't come up at all again.

The books handle the topics beautifully. They do use proper anatomical terms. They approach the topics from a very Bible centered way - explaining God's perfect plan for us and our bodies and our future family. I can't say enough about how well written and illustrated these books are.

They can be found at CBD.com and I am sure any other online bookstore. I hope this helps.

Blessings,
D.

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C.C.

answers from Texarkana on

You don't have to elaborate too much but don't lie to him either. Keep it short and simple.

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A.M.

answers from New Orleans on

Say, "Those parts are used for going to the bathroom." That's as much as he'd understand.

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M.M.

answers from Huntsville on

go to the library and get a book.

I told my son, casually, what he wanted to know (5 year olds don't need to whole story)-- using proper names for the various body parts. But this does bring back the story of the child that just wanted to know something about where he came from when all he wanted was his birthpace.

As he grew older, and asked more questions, I told him. That way he was not afraid to ask me questions, didn't think I made light of his wanting to know "sex", and was prepared when the "slang" terms come forth.

You'll do fine -- just keep it age appropriate and be glad your child is inquisitive!

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D.K.

answers from Tulsa on

I picked up a book at the library YEARS ago when my daughter was little. It was called sexuality birth to the teenage years. I am sure there are a lot of books and references. I will tell you what I have learned over the years. Just answer what is asked...he likely is not asking such a big question as the answer you are thinking. My daugter asked what her boobies were for...I told her really they are for feeding your babies. She thought that was pretty cool and didn't ask any other questions. Generally keep your answers honest and simple wait for more question and don't answer more than what is asked. The biggest take away message that I got out of the book was to be honest. The reason being is that kids figure out pretty quickly if you will not tell them the facts..and if they think they are not getting a real answer from you they will ask someone else. I am not sure about you..but I want my kids to get the truth, and I want them to be comfortable asking me anything. Even if the question makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I have an 11 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. Just FYI.
Good luck

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A.Y.

answers from Jackson on

my son is six and they do learn stuff young these days but i stuck with the.... using the restroom that is how our body rids itself of waste... i will explain to him a about eight what they are really for b/c my neice at 10 already heard from her friends at school although she started her menstral cycle at 9 kids are just growing up too fast i am 26 and i started at thirteen my mom sisn't start until she was 16 the workd is evolving too fast getting our little ones ready too quick i want to slow it down anyway i can

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B.H.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Check the library. I was in the Del City library once and saw a book perfect for 3-5 yr olds, but I don't remember the name.

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N.W.

answers from New Orleans on

There is a great christian book series. The first book of the 7 book series is "Why Boys & Girls are Different". That one is for ages 3-5. The books are by Carol Greene. Our son started to potty train early (before 2) and started asking who had what, so we bought the book and plan on buying the rest of the series.

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M.F.

answers from Huntsville on

There are loads of good books out there - cannot think of a single title at the moment - just ask someone at the bookstore for some advice as to which would be best. But my real advice is: be honest and answer all his questions in a matter-of-fact way. I sat my kids down at about age 10 and explained more adult behaviours to them (this was, of course, after a few years of questions I answered in a way they could understand). They were horrified, fascinated and interested. I suspect that at age 5 he is hearing from friends and perhaps classmates about this subject. It's good for you to stay abreast of it as you know he will hear all sorts of nonsense out there. Good luck.

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