"The Talk" With Your Children

My Three Sons And

"The Question"

In another life, I was the mom of 3 little boys, who grew up way too fast!

Many of our memorable family stories seem to center around my son,Jeffrey's, one-liners,

always spoken with complete child-like innocence.

Jeffrey is 25 now and will be married next Friday.

This story seems appropriate the week before his wedding!

Whenever our children ask questions on any subject, we have always been open and honest, giving and answer or explanation that was appropriate for the person, age, circumstances at the time. One night at dinner, out of the blue.... Jeffrey, then 7 or 8, asked THE question...."So how are babies made?" This, of course, led to other questions, which led to a very open, matter-of-fact, clinical sort of answer. Ron and I spent a the balance of our evening meal time answering and explaining how babies are made, where they come from, how they get there and here, etc.

Whew...we thought we had given an explanation that would hold him over until he was old enough to comprehend the deeper meanings of these all important answers.

Now it was time to clear the table.

Jeffrey's next question we were not prepared for...

It was clear by this next question that our explanations and answers were

too much like a Biology Class

and he needed a better perspective.

He asked it in such a "matter of fact" manner....

Photo Taken At The Grand Canyon in April 1992

Jeffrey-9, Curt-11, Me, and Andrew-6

I was standing at the sink preparing to wash dishes,

Ron was clearing the table and the boys were helping...

Jeffrey asked very matter-of-fact, like he was in Biology class...

He was speaking for himself and his two brothers..

"So Dad, next time you fertilize mom could WE watch?"

I turned around just long enough to catch Ron's eyes to give him the

"This-is-your-question-to- answer" look.

I had to turn around so Jeffrey would not see me ready to burst with laughter.

There is a definite line between answering "Those Questions"

too matter of factly, too clinically, etc.

Hmmmmm...Jeffrey is 25 now and getting married next Friday...

I wonder if he would let us all go on his Honeymoon....