From Tummies to Truth

Kids are naturally curious, and it can be fascinating watching their little brains go into overdrive, even if the paths they take often seem a little unconventional to our boring, fully developed adult brains.

I believe that when a child asks a question, they deserve a straight answer. And when we drop the "the baby grows in the mommy's tummy" line, it's not just a little white lie; it sends their imagination into overdrive, in a not-so-good way.

Kids are soaking up information and weaving all kinds of connections based on how they see the world. They're figuring out body mechanics from muscles and bones to hearts and lungs.

So when we serve them "babies grow in the mommy's tummy," their brains often connect it to something they know well - like how tummies are for food. They know how food gets in... and how it eventually gets out. That connection isn't rocket science, especially for fast-thinking kids. It's no wonder some of them ask, "Did she eat it?" or avoid apples after hearing jokes about a pregnant lady swallowing a watermelon seed.

And here's the kicker: at this age, many kids are also struggling with the idea of how to handle what comes out. Did you know that the fear of pooping in the toilet can often be linked to the idea that a part of their body is, quite literally, falling off - or out - and being flushed away? That's a scary change, especially when you've been cozy with diapers and how they hold everything safe & secure. Combine this with baby-eating tales and you've created a properly terrifying story starter for your kid's imagination.

So instead of going with "the baby grows in the mommy's tummy," you can say, "the baby grows in the mommy's uterus."

If kids are able to grasp the fact that there's a special place in the body where food goes to do its thing, they can handle the idea of a special place for baby-growing.

And don't forget to mention that only folks with vulvas have a uterus.

As parents and caregivers, our job is to dish out the facts in a way that continues to jive with our kid's ever evolving view of the world. So start early and the next time your kiddo asks about the pregnant lady at swim class, just remember: it's all about feeding them the facts - in a way that clicks for them - and without conjuring nightmares of baby-eating crazy ladies.

"But HOW did the baby get IN there?" - Well, my friend, that's another topic for another day. Stay tuned!