Those exact words. Just like on a tv sitcom. Are kids hard-wired to phrase that question as she did? Out of nowhere, at the dinner table in between bites of filet and green beans. Shit, how do I not screw this up? I responded rather stoically. Saying this was a good question, but not something we should discuss at the dinner table, being it a mature subject and all, glancing at her little brother. He immediately insisted he was ma-door and anyway, he already KNEW where they came from ... your belly. Eye-roll from big sis. She asked if we could talk about it later and I assured her we would.
Later has not happened yet. I need some time to think. But not a lot. Years ago, I would have rushed to the bookstore or internet to research the probably hundreds of opinions as to how to best handle "the talk". Just as I did when she was a baby, always questioning, wondering, doubting, comparing. It's easier now being older. Mid life brings with it a deepened sense of realism. Not trusting others as much anymore. Relying on your own experiences with yourself and others for direction. The confidence is envigorating.
I know how I'm going to handle this. And I know it will be right. But, I am tempted to go in a completely opposite direction. Being that I am always "out in left field" anyway, why not? Here's what I mean ...
I have an equally wacky very special friend who, ironically, sent me this today. It's a pic of her pet praying mantises photographed just prior to shagging. She was excited to share the news that she will soon be a grandmantis. I'm so happy for her! I thought I may use this pic to help demonstrate and explain how all living things engage in the wonderful gift of getting it on. Not in those words, of course.
My friend also passed along some interesting facts about this species, and they're unusual mating ritual:
"Males usually attempt to
flee right after mating to escape becoming dinner. Sometimes the female will
try to eat her mate even before the mating process is complete. In fact, the
female eating the head can cause the male to ejaculate faster. The male can continue
copulating and inseminate the female, even headless."
Headless sex. Nah, I better wait until she's at least in high school.
Good luck with that talk! I know I need a new RX for my reading glasses, but it looks to me like BOTH praying mantis's are upside down. How is that mantisly or humanly possible?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible. In both worlds. It's hard to see, but the one mantis is hanging on to the top of the plastic habitat it now calls home. (Do you feel like a bit of a voyeur? I do.) As for humans ... well at least one person can be inverted. Preferably the more limber one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the well wishes :)
I'll have to take your word on that. Even with major magnifiers on it looks to me that they are BOTH on their backs and in fact I don't even see penetration! Actually, the bottom one looks headless....!! Guess the quickie wasn't quick enough!
ReplyDeleteas per the conversation, i dreaded trying to explain the mechanics of reproduction to my kiddies. i found that answering their questions one at a time allowed them to understand the process in digestible steps, rather than a huge mind blowing treatise on the subject. they seem well adjusted...
ReplyDeleteI think you make a good point, Zill. It's always best when trying to figure something out to put yourself in the other's shoes. Try to imagine myself on the receiving end of this info, as a young kid. Too much at once would surely overwhelm.
ReplyDeleteNow I understand the phrase "Just Bugger Off!"
ReplyDeleteI never heard of that idiom before, Anon, until now. So often I feel as if I live under a rock. Like a bug.
ReplyDelete