We've got the balls to write about that scrotum thing

A recent article in the New York Times reported a bruhaha regarding a Newbery Medal winning children's book, "The Higher Power of Lucky" by Susan Patron.

Does the book graphically depict a school shooting? Does it include pornographic pictures? Does it give instructions on how to make a vodka infused Shirley Temple? Does it come with a Do-It-Yourself body piercing and tattoo kit?

Nope. The freak factor is the word "scrotum".

We've got this to say about it. "Please calm down." Seriously.

The use of the word scrotum isn't even in reference to a human. It refers to a character in the book describing his DOG being bit on the scrotum by a rattlesnake. It's not discussing a human scrotum. And even if it were. So what.

We've encountered many a child who has been fascinated by a dog that hasn't been neutered. Kids notice that stuff on their own. However, we've yet to see a child as fascinated by a human scrotum, unless it was attached to said child or accidentally encountered in a family locker room at the beach. Feral butts? Yes. Feral scrotums? Not so much.

However a librarian at Halsted Middle School in Newton, N.J. is quoted in the article as saying, “If I were a third- or fourth-grade teacher, I wouldn’t want to have to explain that.” What is "that"? A dog being bit on the scrotum by a rattlesnake?

It's not that complicated to explain that to children. Really. If a child asks about that, answer the question. The kid may not even be wondering about why anyone has a scrotum or what it is used for. Keep in mind answering The Unasked may set sails into uncharted water neither you nor the child is ready to navigate.

If you are unsure of what prompted a child's question, ask a couple of your own before you continue to press on. Clarify what is being asked and even why. Then answer. No need to go beyond the question being asked unless you feel the kid really needs to know. Most Kids are like reporters at a press conference, they will ask a follow-up if they want to know more!

Try to consider themes in books, and the actions/thoughts of characters, ,may be used as a vehicle to talk with children about a variety of subjects in a manner that is far less uncomfortable, threatening,or even embarrassing ,because it allows the subject to be discussed impersonally, yet the opportunity exists during the course of the discussion to reinforce your own value system with your child.

In the meantime, please ask your school or local librarian to weigh in on the following:

When out in public, non-neutered Great Danes should wear underwear. Pro? Con?

Or we can have fun experimenting with blog polling...

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