The Birds & The Bees

So, last night Lori and I finally did it.  Yep,  one would think that we already had done it, but no, it happened just last night.  We had the dreaded... "birds and bees talk" with our two older boys. 
After hearing a few interesting words and jokes from them we realized they where getting some interesting messages about bodies, gender and sexuality.  So in an effort to get our two cents into the plural mix we decided it was time.

When I told the boys in the car driving home from school that mom and I wanted to talk with them after we put Bailey to bed, the first thing Jake asked was, "Are we in trouble, and if so, Hank did it?'    I said no, that we just wanted to talk with them about something,  Jake then said, "is it about... you know what."    At which point I realized we were all a little uncomfortable with the topic.  I call it "something" and he calls it "you know what." 

I have been surprised with my own anxiety and concerns with having the "talk."   I consider myself to be pretty open, free and non-anxious about bodies and sexuality and yet I was aware of some concerns when it came to talking with my kids about it.

To make a long but funny story short.  The night went great. We all got through it with only a little giggling and blushing.  I found an excellent book called, "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health.  I would highly recommed it.  It is designed for children 10 and up and has some great cartoon figures and illustrations that are informative, helpful and entertaining.  There are some realy good chapters on hetersexulaity and homosexuality, masterbation and making sexual choices.   I rally appreciated the cartoon drawings of people, they were multicultural and included a variety of body types.   I was thankful for the images of  multiracial couples, gay couples and a cartoon with the women on top!  I even saw a couple where the man was shorting than the women - finally someone who can identify with the oppression of short men!

So, if you have any questions gender and sex feel free to ask Hank or Jake.

Peace,

Jud

Comments

[landon]

When we had the talk last summer, I was giggling like a school boy. Jerilyn totally took over and saved the day.

I felt like an idiot. I wish Hank or Jake could have helped me out then.