It’s an innocent enough question from a three year old and one that I would expect to be able to answer with enough detail to satisfy, but vaguely enough so as not to encourage more difficult questions at this stage. So far our older kids (7 & 5) have been happy with the “you grew in mummy’s tummy and when you were big enough, you were born” sort of answer.
Last night Cinderella (5) was getting a bit concerned about the birth process. I thought that one was a bit curly, but handled it in my vague/detailed way to her satisfaction. But that got Little Mermaid (3) thinking. Dangerous.
Little Mermaid: I know I grew in your tummy and then I got born.
Me: Yes, that’s right.
Little Mermaid: But how did I get in your tummy?
Me: You grew there.
Little Mermaid: Yes, but how did I get in your tummy?
At this stage my husband is just about wetting himself and being of no help whatsoever. The Engineer and Cinderella are listening intently.
Me (getting the giggles now): You started off sooo tiny that we couldn’t even see you and then you grew in my tummy.
Little Mermaid: But how did I get in your tummy?
Me: You grew from a tiny little egg.
She let it go then. But I know she wasn’t satisfied. It’s only a matter of time before she asks again, and I’d better have a good response ready. This one doesn’t give up easily.
How would you explain where babies come from to a three year old?
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LOL! Good luck with that curly question
And please keep us updated with your answer – I may need to refer to it at some stage! Our three year old still thinks our baby is coming from the shops – if only it were that simple!!
Meegans last blog post..Sharing the QLD sunshine for just a week
When I got pregnant with #2, I bought my daughter a book, it’s called It’s So Amazing!, I think it’s great. If they are too young to read they can look at the pictures, on their own or with you. It’s very helpful in explaining a young child about conception, pregnancy and birth. I hope this helps
Elisas last blog post..help! I’m Paris Hilton!
@Meegan – She asked again two days later. This time I told her that mums have teeny baby eggs in their tummies, which she seems to be happy with for now.
@Elisa – Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out. It would probably be a good idea for all three kids actually.
lol – ours is a bit more complicated since we did IVF .
I am interested in the answers too.
Trishs last blog post..Screwup Tuesday
Oh, I’m glad I don’t have to explain IVF
I’ll keep you updated on our progress.