So, Emeline made a couple of comments today about sex (as well as her personal opinion on how often Joe and I "do it") and it occurred to me that we've been very lax parents and have not had The Talk with her.

Informal poll: When did you get/give The Talk? What worked, what didn't?

We're leaning toward a picture book and then opening up the room to questions, but I tend to drift off subject. Any advice for those what have had or have given The Talk?

I have really no advice, but I can tell you something funny. When my Aunt Sharon had The Talk with me (I think I was 7?), I looked at her, looked at my two cousins sitting in the backseat, looked back at her and said, "so you've had sex twice then!"

She was sort of unprepared for that answer and had to go on to kind of explain that you do it and don't even make babies sometimes!

you do it and don't even make babies sometimes!

Somwehere, a Santorum staffer just died.

Ha!

Aims, I had two younger siblings, so I got one of those "when mommy and daddy have a special hug" thing, more about babies growing in the tummy than anything else. Otherwise I do not remember any "talk", except at school ("Puberty! It's coming soon!" and "DRUGS! STDS! BAD!")

LMAO! "A special hug" would put me off of hugs for a lifetime!

Speaking as someone who has been on the receiving end of a picture book - for heaven's sake please don't put it in her Christmas stocking.

Jen, lots of recovery~ma for your mom. That is scary stuff.

le_nubian, lots of confidence-and-interview~ma for you.

Hey, vw, it's good to see your font. I hope you manage to get some kind of rest soon.

I'd say start out very general and be prepared for just about any question. It is ok to say it is private but sometimes all they need is to know it is ok to ask.

One of the more interesting talks with K-Bug started at a baseball game. It was the year after Giambi signed with the Yankees and they were playing the A's for the first time that season. There was a guy sitting near us wearing a shirt that said "Giambi sucks but Jeter swallows". My little cherub looked at me and asked "what does that mean?". Her father took an immediate cigarette break.

for heaven's sake please don't put it in her Christmas stocking.

Oh my word. I promise.

Oh my word. I promise.

Em will never consciously know how grateful she is to have such a sensible mom, but that part of her mind connected to the Collective Subconscious does know and is very thankful.