Let's talk about sex.

Yes, I have to-to my son. He learned some stuff in health class, but recently he complained about confusion about girls, and asked a friend. My husband has stalled having the talk with him, because he thinks our son isn't ready. I say, if he's asking friends for advice (plus I know he's kissed girls) it's PAST time.

I know that some get uncomfortable saying "penis" or "vagina". I'm thinking perhaps I'll say those words over and over until I become numb to them. Why don't you practice them too, dear reader, in your own time, of course.

Problem is, I'm not a boy. I don't know what it's like to be an 11-year-old boy. Hell, I'm not even a normal woman. But it's clear that he is thinking about girls, even though his emotional maturity hasn't caught up with his physical maturity.

When he told me he was kissing a girl in 5th grade, I asked him if anything happens to him when he kisses her.

"What do you mean, mom?"

"Does anything happen to your body?"

"What do you mean, mom?"

"Do you know what an erection is?"

"I don't want to talk about this."

I don't either, but I want him to know, he's not a weirdo, just because he's going through puberty, and doesn't have total control over his body. I also want him to know that a planned pregnancy is wonderful, but an unplanned one is tragic. Sex can equal pregnancy, so it's best to act responsibly, and prevent pregnancy until one is ready to parent.

I'm afraid I will have to use the words penis and vagina somewhere in our discussion. I'll try to remember that they are just body parts.