The year was 1968. The place was a stable at a southern California spa-resort known for its tennis and golf tournaments. The person was a 5-year-old girl. Not just any 5-year-old though; this girl was very intelligent, and articulate beyond her years.
My brother and I were there working with our family horses, and the young lady from Chicago introduced herself to us. Even more surprising was the apparent lack of anyone accompanying her. I'm sure she had parents or someone nearby, but no one was in sight.
She followed us around as we groomed them one by one, asking questions and watching intently. I led a mare out, tied her to the grooming station, and started brushing her. I mentioned that this horse was going to have a baby horse in a few months.
The girl continued with her questions: "That's another thing I want to know. I know babies grow inside their mom, but nobody will tell me how they get out"
I told her that when the foal is complete and finished growing, the mare lies down and squeezes it out using strong muscles inside of her. I took her to the rear of the mare and carefully showed her the location of the orifice where the foal would make its entrance into the world. I explained that human babies are born the same way.
She seemed very satisfied with this answer. Not shocked, not embarrassed, not giggly, just satisfied and content.
After a few more questions and dialogue, she thanked us and excused herself, walking off to wherever her parents were.
Why do people find sex education so difficult?
My brother and I were there working with our family horses, and the young lady from Chicago introduced herself to us. Even more surprising was the apparent lack of anyone accompanying her. I'm sure she had parents or someone nearby, but no one was in sight.
She followed us around as we groomed them one by one, asking questions and watching intently. I led a mare out, tied her to the grooming station, and started brushing her. I mentioned that this horse was going to have a baby horse in a few months.
The girl continued with her questions: "That's another thing I want to know. I know babies grow inside their mom, but nobody will tell me how they get out"
I told her that when the foal is complete and finished growing, the mare lies down and squeezes it out using strong muscles inside of her. I took her to the rear of the mare and carefully showed her the location of the orifice where the foal would make its entrance into the world. I explained that human babies are born the same way.
She seemed very satisfied with this answer. Not shocked, not embarrassed, not giggly, just satisfied and content.
After a few more questions and dialogue, she thanked us and excused herself, walking off to wherever her parents were.
Why do people find sex education so difficult?
