Growing Up TOO Fast!

           About a month ago Ayla was playing in her room with her Barbies and insisted on having her door shut. Well, that's not too unusual, she's always fighting for privacy around here with Sagan. I walked in to ask her a question and she has several Barbies naked and a naked Ken. She has a Barbie bed out and Ken and Barbie on top of each other. I asked her in a bit of a surprised voice "What are you doing?" And right away without letting her answer, told her not to do that any more with her Barbies.



Ayla and Grandpa

            Now I know I handled the situation COMPLETELY wrong but I was shocked and SCARED to think that it is time to have "THE TALK". I mean she's ONLY 8 and a half years old! SHE'S TOO YOUNG to have the sex talk!! I thought I had a few more years to get the speech ready. What am I supposed to say to her?! I know, I know, just tell her the truth. Yeah right! That's easier said than done!!

          

            When Ayla was little I always told her the truth and talked to her like an adult. None of that "baby" talk. She was and is a very bright child. She started walking at 6 months, talking at 7 months, she knew her alphabet and the phonics by 18 months and was already reading a bit by kindergarten. But, I find lately that I'm unsure of what to tell her and how to talk to her about certain things.



My beautiful littlegirl!

 

            I believe knowledge is power but sometimes some knowledge can get us into trouble. I don't want to shorten or hinder her childhood. Right now she still believes in Santa, The Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. I know she won't believe for much longer but I want her to believe in magic and fairy tales for as long as she can.The kids grow up too fast these days! Why can't they just be kids as long as they can? They will be adults for so long, childhood is so short! There's enough garbage on T.V. today desensitising the kids today. I am very careful about what the kids watch on T.V. and try to be careful with what music they listen to. I know I can't shield them from everything, life is going to happen. My childhood was NOT ideal to say the least. I don't want that for my little girl! I used to be way overprotective. I have backed off a bit. Enough to allow her to go to a friends for sleepovers but the entire time I am scared to death something will happen to her!!

            How do you tell an 8 and a half year old about sex??!! And what is that going to do to her psyche?? Her youth?? UUGH!! 

            I know I have to approach her and have the discussion soon. She NEEDS to know the facts and the truth before her friends confuse and scare her completely. Why does parenting have to be soo hard?!! What and How am I going to tell my little girl??!!