When Screens Go Off, The Real Questions Begin

As a parent, you know those moments when you’re just trying to catch a quick nap, and your children come to you with their deepest questions? Well, that was me one Sunday afternoon.

After church, I decided it was time for a "no screen day" with my children. That meant no TV, no tablets, and no computers. Instead, they could go outside to play, read the Bible, or enjoy any other book they liked. It’s important to me that my children occasionally disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world around them.

The No Screen Challenge

After lunch, I let the children know I was going to take a nap. I suggested they rest too or find something fun to do. But I reminded them: no screens! My children are pretty familiar with this because I sometimes have no screen days—or even no lights or internet days. They weren’t too surprised, but I knew it might be challenging. It’s not always easy to step away from the digital world, especially when it’s such a big part of our daily lives.

Sure enough, while I was resting, my 7-year-old, who loves the computer, came to me and said, "Mummy, I’m bored." I wasn’t shocked—he often struggles when he can’t access his favorite games or shows. I replied, "Find something to do, and you won’t be bored." It’s important for children to learn how to entertain themselves without relying on screens. I wanted him to use his imagination, to think of something creative or fun that didn’t involve a device.

A little later, I overheard him calling out to his 3-year-old brother, "Can you play with me?" The little one, busy with his toys, simply asked, "Why?" It made me smile. The 3-year-old was perfectly content with his toys, showing that younger children can often find joy in simple, screen-free activities. The 7-year-old replied, "Because I’m bored." It was clear that he was struggling without his usual screen time, but I hoped he’d find something creative to do instead.

The Big Question

Just as I was settling into a deep sleep, my 9-year-old woke me up with a question: "Mummy, where do children come from? How do they get into their mummy’s tummy?" Now, this question really caught me off guard! It’s the kind of question every parent knows will come someday, but it’s still a bit surprising when it finally happens. Half-awake, I told him, "That’s a great question. Let’s talk about it when I wake up properly."

This moment made me realize how important it is to have tough, meaningful conversations with our children. My 9-year-old asking where babies come from showed me that he’s starting to think more deeply about the world and how things work. I’ve always known I’d have to talk to my children about things like how babies are made, but I wanted to wait until they were ready to understand. When my oldest was 2 or 3, he used to think we got babies from the store! It was cute back then, but now it’s clear that my 9-year-old is ready for a more serious discussion.

Children Are Ready Earlier Than We Think

I wasn’t too surprised by his question because children start learning a lot at a young age. Some girls even start their periods around age 9, so it’s natural for them to start asking questions about where babies come from and how they are made. In today’s world, children are exposed to so much information, and it’s important to give them space to ask questions and explore their thoughts. If we don’t create that space, they might turn to less reliable sources, like the internet or their friends, who might not have the right answers.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized how valuable it is to give children a break from screens. It might not make them happy at first, but it gives them time to think, play, and reflect on the things around them, just like my children did. Research shows that too much screen time can affect children’s sleep, attention span, and even their ability to connect with others. By encouraging them to take a break, we help them develop other important skills and interests. For example, studies suggest that children who spend less time on screens are more likely to engage in creative play and physical activities, which are crucial for their overall development.

Moreover, these breaks give them a chance to process their thoughts and emotions without the constant distraction of a screen. This downtime is important for their mental health, as it allows them to unwind and reflect on their day. It’s during these quiet moments that children often come up with questions or ideas they might not have thought about if they were glued to a screen.

How We Handled the Big Question

So, how did I handle my son’s big question? When I woke up, I decided to wait until my husband got home so we could both have a child-friendly discussion about how babies get into their mummy’s tummy. We wanted to make sure our explanation was age-appropriate and easy for him to understand. We knew this was just the beginning of many important conversations we’d have with our children as they grow older.

Every Family is Different

Every family is different, and the way I talk to my children might be different from how you talk to yours. It also depends on the child’s age. How I explain things to a teenager would be different from how I explain them to a younger child. But one thing is clear: creating an open and safe space for our children to ask questions is crucial. It’s important that they feel comfortable coming to us with their questions, no matter how big or small.

When it comes to answering questions like "How do children get into their mummy’s tummy?" it’s essential to be honest but also consider what your child is ready to hear. Some parents choose to give a simple, straightforward answer, while others might provide more detailed explanations depending on the child’s age and maturity level. There are many resources available, like books and online articles, that can help guide these discussions. Websites like Common Sense Media offer advice on how to talk to children about tough topics, including where babies come from and other sensitive subjects.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

In the end, it’s all about what works best for your family. But remember, these conversations are an important part of helping our children understand the world around them. By being open and honest, we build trust and help them feel secure in coming to us with their questions.

So, how would you answer the question, "How do children get into their mummy’s tummy?" Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and support one another as we navigate these important conversations with our children.