How to explain abortion to an eight year old

[deb1]

My eight year old daughter heard the word, abortion, on a news show. She asked me what it meant. From the way the topic was presented, she knew that it referred to pregnancy.

I don’t know exactly what I replied but I tried not to go into detail. Apparently, I didn’t explain well enough, because she kept asking me, if the baby had died in the womb and the dr. had to take the baby out. Our neighbor has had a miscarriage, so Sarah is aware that this happens.

I finally told her, no, the woman decides that she doesn’t want her baby to be born and that she goes to a doctor who kills the baby. I wasn’t graphic or crude. I simply answered her question.

I fear I did wrong. Her face fell and she looked shocked. It was as though I gave her to much information for her to comprehend. She finally said, “That’s wrong, Mom.” I assured her that I agreed with her.

I wished that I hadn’t told her, but I don’t know how else to answer such as question as “what is an abortion?” Without saying that it involves killing babies. Should I have just put her off? I guess that I could have informed her that it was a grown up topic, but she is a very smart little girl and I was afraid that she would have remained curious until she got an answer from someone.

 

[Maria3m]

I believe you did just fine.

We had a similar situation happen after my son heard the word while we had the news on. I told him the same way you did. No real details, just the fact that it’s when a mom decideds she doesn’t want the baby & goes to the doctor who kills the baby.
He was shocked also. He had just seen me go through a miscarriage & knew how much we wanted our baby.

All I can say is have the remote in your hand. LOL
The other word that’s always in the news is homosexual. I seem to just change the channel in time because he hasn’t asked.

It’s wonderful you were able to tell her. If she’s curious enough, and you don’t answer, she may find out else where. My son will go to the dictionary …thank goodness some of these words he just can’t spell.

 

[deb1]

Thank you!

I think that it was the expression on her face that disturbed me the most. She just looked so horrified and shocked.

Yes, I want her to not support abortion but she is sooo… young.

 

[dmm2000]

Deb,

You did the right thing. The reaction of the pure innocence of your eight year old showed the true nature of abortion.

I too have had to tell my children at a young age that abortion is the killing of a baby, by people who are confused about life and Love. It is better that you teach them then someone else who holds a position of authority (like a teacher) who may not hold your value system.

Again, I believe the natural reaction of your daughter reflects the inherent wrong in abortion.

God Bless

 

[musicgal4jesus]

That was a good explanation, and your daughter’s reaction shows you’re bringing her up right! It’s a good sign that she understands what a tragedy abortion is. Maybe you could explain to her how a lot of moms choose to keep their children, and how crisis pregnancy centers support life by helping young mothers.

 

[SueKrum]

Deb,

You did the right thing. The reaction of the pure innocence of your eight year old showed the true nature of abortion.

I too have had to tell my children at a young age that abortion is the killing of a baby, by people who are confused about life and Love. It is better that you teach them then someone else who holds a position of authority (like a teacher) who may not hold your value system.

Again, I believe the natural reaction of your daughter reflects the inherent wrong in abortion.

God Bless

well said! I couldn’t agree more. Sometimes, our little ones learn the truth faster than we would like for them to, but it’s important that you told her the TRUTH! you told her what abortion really is. you didn’t water it down or sugar coat it. which is what the media does. It probably would have been better for her to learn at an older age, but given the situation, you handled it perfectly. and she had an appropriate reaction. I remember if my mom wouldn’t tell me the meaning of something, I would go somewhere else to get the meaning (Usually a teen age sibling). so be glad she asked you first and be glad you answered.

 

[Aleii]

Agreed! You did good in telling her. Even though it was hard, it shows her that she can come to you with questions about anything, and that you will be honest with her.

 

[Teakafrog]

Our son was about that age when he wanted to know too. We did the same thing, just explained that there are some very evil people in the world who think that it’s ok to kill babies before they are born. He was upset too (I’d be worried if he wasn’t). But he now knows that it is wrong, and that babies are people too and need to be protected. I could see no other way of doing it, than to tell the truth (without all the horrific details, of course).