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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting of K-6 Children > Parenting K-6 Kids > 9 year old daughter's questions
Expert: Leslie Truex - 9/2/2008
Question
My husband and I have a daughter (9), and two sons (7) and (5). Our daughter has asked if our pet hamster (female) needed a male to have babies with or could she have babies on her own like humans. We are comfortable explaining things to her, but are not sure what the appropriate age is and to what detail we should go. Please advise.
Thank you,
Nicole
Answer
Hi Nicole,
The process of making babies is not a "bad" topic. Its a part of nature. Your daughter asked if the hamster would need a male partner to have babies and the answer is yes. Question answered. Kids don't need the details but do deserve the truth. Often that's all they need... a simple "yes". If she has more questions, you need to answer based on her age/developmental level. Usually the details are not required.
By skirting the topic you will give your daughter the impression that making babies is bad, and she'll end up asking someone else her questions instead of you. You don't want that. You don't need to have a detailed bird and bees discussion now, but you need to be open to her questions and answer honestly and yet within the realm of her developmental stage. There are a host of kids books that can help with this.
Leslie Truex
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