Before I Was Born by Carolyn Nystrom

This past summer we had the first talk concerning God's design for sex with our kids. At ages 8.5 and 6.5 they had been asking many questions about their bodies and why they can't take baths together anymore (except with swimsuits on!) We found a beautiful, four book series by Carolyn Nystrom that range in age from 3-14. We chose Book Two, Before I Was Born (Ages Five to Eight). It emphasizes the creational goodness of our bodies and our differences as men and women. It includes the teaching of the growth and change as girls and boys become men and women and a tactful but direct explanation of sexual intercourse between a husband and wife. It is filled with beautiful artwork and was a great experience to read. Afterword, there were questions and more to follow throughout the summer. Sweet Pea giggled as she asked for clarification concerning the names of body parts and much talk about having babies and nursing them. Pun'kin Head, on the other hand, had some revelations of his own. Days later, he came to me one afternoon, and asked "Mama, remember what it said in that book about how to make a baby?" "Yes." I answered. "And did it say that a mom and dad can do that any time they want to and make a baby?" he asked. "Well, they can only make a baby if it's the right time of the month and there is an egg there to fertilize," I replied. Then a very excited look came over his face as if something clicked. He jumped up and down and said, "You mean you and dad could do that tonight and make a baby brother or sister?" "That's right, I suppose." "Well, are you going to?" he beamed. "Well, I'd have to ask daddy first!" I replied. "Great!" was his response. As he ran off to play, under my breath, I whispered "Yeah, but knowing dad, he'll probably just want to "practice" again!" :)