Parental Shell Shock

So it's Brownie Scout Night and I was all set to tell you (again) about the wonders of Sushi Hana and the King County Public Library System and the cute little "Box of Pick" Abby made as Valentine crafts at Brownie Scouts.

And then she threw me a curve ball in the car on the way home, with, "I know what the inappropriate thing that girls and boys do when they're naked is."

<gulp>

Think fast, mama, you only get one chance at this without scaring her (or scarring her) so yeah, think fast.

"Oh, you do? What is it?"

"I can't tell you, "she says, scandalized. "It's inappropriate."

"It's okay to tell me, Abby, I'm your mom and it's important that I know you have your facts straight - that you've been told the right information."

"Oh... (long pause, voice drops to an almost-whisper)... it's when a boy and a girl get naked and the boy put his - you know - penis into the girl's - you know - private place."

"And why is that inappropriate?"

"Because I'm too young to talk about it. And way too young to do it, 'cause it would be inappropriate."

"Yes, it would. How old do you think is old enough?"

"Eighteen or so, I guess."

"That seems like a good age. Who told you about this?"

"I don't know, I just heard it, like on TV or something."

(long pause, dark car)

"Mom? Can we talk about something else now?"

"I think that's a good idea."

Now, Dear Reader, please excuse me while I worry that I've handled it wrong and scarred her for life.