You have to get over your squeamishness and just be forthright. Otherwise who knows where they'll get their info, and what crap they'll be told by other kids with no more of a clue than they have.

We started early. As the girls have asked questions, we've answered them. We've always used proper names for body parts, for instance (except for the word "parts" as in "private parts" when we're not being specific about exactly what in that area we're talking about, or which gender).

The trick is, only give them the information they're looking for--don't go further than that. When asked where do babies come from, we answered, they grow inside the mama. And that's it. When they wanted to know more, we told them more, until it was time for the "big secret." Even then I stopped and told Josie only what she asked for and nothing more.

As time has gone on since that conversation she's asked many more questions, and I expect many more--and hope for more, really, because I'd rather she get accurate information from me than garbage from some kid. I also hope it will create an atmosphere in which she'll feel safe enough to come to me for advice about these matters instead of feeling all alone and unable to talk.

While I really really don't want to know the details of her future teenage sex life (and hopeful lack thereof, for my sake), I do want to know she's safe, smart, and protected if she does choose to have sex. When it comes right down to it, you can't stop teenagers who really really want to do it from doing it. What I want is to stop her from doing it when she really *doesn't* want to. I want to give her what she needs to resist pressure from boyfriends and peers.

You have to start when they're young, give them the information they need so they know what's happening to their bodies, and hopefully the knowledge and strength to say no until they are ready to say yes with a happy heart.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor