Six Awkward Questions That Little Kids Ask (and how to answer them!)
You know that curiosity knows no bounds. When those little voices begin to chatter, the questions start. Sometimes they are innocent, funny, or just plain awkward.
The social filters that adults have are not always present in children (thank goodness!) Kids are often blunt and direct, which is why they ask the truth in the most unexpected situations. Since honesty is always the best policy, we’ve compiled a list of six awkward questions that your child might ask you. We also offer some tips on how to answer these questions without getting all red-faced or giving a lecture about human biology.
1. Where Did I Come From?
Ah, yes. The classic parental rite-of-passage. It’s the big questions that every child will ask at some point. And it always comes when you are least prepared.
It seems like an easy question at first. If you stop to think about it, how would you explain to your preschooler that you started them as a tiny seed in your stomach? Do you go into detail about the intercourse? Do you discuss sperm or eggs? Many parents find it terrifying to explain “the bees and the birds” to their four-year-old.
How I handle it
For my children, I have always kept things simple and sweet. You could say something like this: “Mummy loved Daddy very much, and they wanted a child. So you began growing in my tummy.” No complicated biology or technical terms. Love and growing.
You can tailor your explanation for your child if you have had IVF or any other fertility treatment. You could say, “The doctors created you using parts of Mummy, Daddy, and other family members.” This is an honest, positive, and age-appropriate explanation.
You can also use a fairy tale, such as the old-fashioned story of the stork, if you’re unable to find a solution. Storytelling is always a good way to distract children until they are ready to learn the truth.
Tips:
- If your child wants more information, give it to them in small chunks as they grow older.
- Answers should be simple, loving, and not scary or clinical.
- Use books for children that gently explain the origins of babies.
2. What are Tampons?
The question may not be phrased as “what are tampons?” since toddlers don’t yet know the word. They will eventually find them, perhaps in your bag or bathroom drawer.
Unannounced, one of my sons walked into the bathroom and saw that I was wearing a post-birthpad. He asked, “Why aren’t you wearing a diaper?” His eyes were wide.
How to Respond
It’s fine to be vague in these moments. It’s okay to say “Only Mummies need those” when your child is three. No need for a full explanation of the menstrual cycle.
You can introduce the idea of periods to your child if you feel comfortable. This means that they will bleed every month and use tampons or pads to keep themselves clean.
Be careful: If you have a very young daughter, it’s best to wait before you explain this in great detail. You don’t want her to be overwhelmed or worry about something that she isn’t ready for.
Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to let your child explore.
- You can use dolls or books that are age-appropriate to explain the right time.
- Your attitude will influence how your child views periods.
3. Where is your Penis?
You’re likely to share some intimate moments with your children, particularly boys. Your children will be exposed to your nakedness during baths, potty training, and showers. They will also ask questions about the body parts.
While I was getting ready, one of my boys asked me, “Where are your genitals?” One boy asked me, “Why don’t you have a willy?
What I Say
I try to keep my remarks lighthearted and straightforward. I tell them that I don’t have penis, because I am a girl. It is simple and clear. Girls have vaginas instead, as well as boobies.
If you don’t want to, you can skip the entire anatomy lesson. Since children are still young, they just want to learn about differences. Being honest and simple will go a long way.
Tips:
- Kids will pick up your relaxed, casual attitude.
- Normalize body parts by using the correct names.
- Answer truthfully but in a brief manner. They’ll ask you more detailed questions later.
4. Did This Chicken Used to be Alive?
You may be caught off guard when your child asks you if their lamb stew or chicken nuggets were once real.
It can be confusing to children when the name of the animal is the same as the food they eat. Sooner or later, they’ll understand, especially if cartoons and books show farm animals.
What to do with It
Here are a few choices:
- The “different chicken” method: Tell the customer that the meat comes from chickens other than the ones raised on farms. This approach might work for a short time, but it usually fails quickly.
- The gentle truth: Explain to children that certain animals are used as food, but assure them that their pets, such as the family dog or cat, are not. It can be heartbreaking, but this is a necessary reality check for children.
If you present this information calmly and with love, most children will accept it better than you think.
Tips:
- Explain the food cycle in simple terms.
- This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your family’s values and food choices if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
- It is important to show kindness to animals, but it’s also important to remember that some animals are eaten by humans to gain weight and stay healthy.
5. Why Does My Willy Get Bigger?
You’ll probably encounter this question, or notice early erections in boys. Yes, even babies have them! It’s perfectly normal and not sexual.
It could happen when your preschooler touches themselves or during tantrums, or even in the early morning. It’s natural for children to ask questions.
How to Answer
I keep my explanation simple: “Sometimes penises get big or hard. The sky is blue because it just happens. It’s not unusual, but you shouldn’t touch it if other people are nearby.
Now that’s all for now. As they grow older, you may want to add more details.
Tips:
- Normalize body responses to ensure that children don’t feel confused or ashamed.
- Set boundaries regarding privacy and the appropriate time/places to touch.
- Answer honestly, but don’t make it a big issue.
6. When Will You Die?
Children will always ask questions about death. Children may have seen it in a movie, a book, or on television.
It’s normal for parents to feel panicked when their children ask, “When will you die?” or “When am I going to die?” How can you explain the finality of something in a way that is reassuring to your children?
How I handle it
I explain that all living things die eventually–including plants and animals–but usually not for a very, very long time.
Saying something playful like “I will probably live to 100 years of age and perhaps get a Queen’s letter when I do” is a fun way to take the focus off fear.
They’re still young, so I predict they will live longer than I.
Tips:
- Be truthful but reassuring. Avoid scary details.
- Children can be helped to understand the cycle of life by using concrete examples.
- Death is not only natural, but it usually occurs far away.
Conclusion
Even the most experienced parents can blush or freeze when faced with a child’s question. But these are moments to teach your children in a loving, gentle way about the world and build trust.
It’s fine to say, “That’s an excellent question!” You don’t need to know all the answers. You can say, “I’ll think about it. I’ll get back to you.” Maintain a calm tone and age-appropriate answers.
Celebrating your child’s curiosity means that they are learning and growing. It’s not only them who earn something new each day. You can improve your communication skills, learn patience an,d master awkward conversations.
Next time your child asks one of these tricky questions, remember to take a deep brbreathsmile, and know that you can handle it.
