Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/742842
hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 23 • Brand new, state of the art facility • Digital X-rays • iPad station in the waiting room • TVs mounted on ceilings during dental work • Great kid friendly space • Always taking extra time to listen & work through fears the story of where babies come from when she was pregnant with her fourth child. "The initial conversations took place when my oldest was 4, the next 3, and the third was about 15 months [old]..." Collopy says. "I was as open as could be, showed them pictures of the baby's development. I don't know how much of that they remember, but they definitely grasped it at the time, and enjoyed baby doctor visits to hear the baby's heartbeat." She says that she and her hus- band share in the spreading of infor- mation to their kids. "Actually, I think my girls hearing from a man what men are all about is so very helpful, and that topic will be a constant and will come up as needed in teachable moments," she adds. In the beginning… Family practitioner Dr. Catherine Agricola of Health Quest Medical Practice in Kingston says that dis- cussing the topics of bodily func- tions, reproduction, and sexuality with children and adolescents are opportunities for parents to not only get information across, but to also share their values and beliefs. "Parents should reflect on their own attitudes and perspectives. When talking with children and teens, talk openly," Dr. Agricola says. "Try not to be too flippant or too serious. It is important for children and adolescents to know that there is always an honest and reliable source to turn to for answers to po- tentially uncomfortable or uncertain questions." Toddlers and preschoolers de- velop gender awareness early and may become curious about their own bodies and the bodies of other children. Dr. Agricola says that using activities like bath time, toileting, story time, or watching TV can be used to teach a child about body parts and the differences between what is appropriate in public and what is okay in private. (Continued on Page 24)