Where Did You Come From?

In Jessica Cohen’s “Grade A: The Market for a Yale Woman’s Eggs,” Cohen explores the social changes that follow the advancement of modern fertility in a modern world. In the second paragraph, Cohen alludes to Where Did I Come From? A picture book first published in 1973 that explains the reasons and mechanics of sex to squeamish parents’ children. Author Peter Mayle addresses many of the awkward questions from curious kids in his sexual education books. His books seem to age with his readers starting with infancy in Where Did I Come From?, followed by What’s Happening to Me?, which deals with the effects of puberty. Later, Mayle addressed questions, such as Will I Go to Heaven?, Will I Like It?, and How to Be a Pregnant Father. These books contain clever illustrations that appeal to both parents and children, but serve as a way for parents to escape questioning. What is so hard about telling your kids about sex, creation, and life?

Before alternative fertility methods became available, everyone was created from sex. There shouldn’t have been a need for a book to explain this to children. I understand that they should be sheltered from graphic explanation, but vague examples leaves room for confusion. In the piece, David sends Cohen an email with a comic that illustrates an unfortunate outcome of genetics. Cohen understands the literal message, but does not understand David’s implied point. Cohen states, “The message was impossible to pin down.” Her reaction towards the comic is similar to many children reading Mayle’s books. The importance of sex cannot be overstated. It not only leaves a lasting impression on your life, but also on others. It is the parent’s responsibility to acknowledge his or her child’s questions and answer responsibly. Parents should not tip toe around a five-year-old’s simple question. If a child asks a question that a parent knows the answer to, then the parent should answer accordingly with a correct explanation. Do not feed children false information in order to preserve the tender, sensitive innocence of youth.  Of course, a picture book helps kids understand the complex aspects of life, but a knowledgeable

 answer from a wise parent is much more rewarding.