Grandparents and Other Caregivers as Sex Educators (continued)

What Kind of Questions Can You Expect from Young People?

     Questions asked by preschoolers (ages three to five):

• Will I have breasts (or a penis) like yours?
• How did I get into mommy's stomach?
• Why do you have a penis (or breasts) and I don't?
• Where do babies come from?
• How do babies get out of their mommy's tummy?
• Does it hurt to have a baby?

     Questions asked by children and preteens (ages six to 12):

• How does a baby stay alive inside the mother?
• What does "have sexual intercourse "mean?
• What happens when girls menstruate?
• What is a wet dream?
• Why do kids say "dirty" words?
• Do boys have periods?
• Do girls have wet dreams?
• When will I develop like my friends?
• Why are some children adopted?
• What's a rubber (condom) for?
• How do you put on a condom?

     Questions asked by teens (ages 13 to 18):

• Are my breasts (penis) too small?
• Is the pill safe?
• Can I get birth control without my parents knowing about it?
• How can you tell if you have a sexually transmitted infection?
• Is there something wrong with me if I remain a virgin?
• What does homosexual mean?
• How can you avoid pregnancy?
• How can I say "no"?
• How can I tell if I'm really in love?
• Is sexual intercourse painful?
• Is it sex if you go down on someone?
• What about having sex with someone you are not in love with?
• How can I tell if I'm pregnant?
• How do you know if you're gay (lesbian)?

What should children know about human sexuality? Check out Advocates' resources on Growth and Development—What Parents Need to Know.