While educating your kids on biology from an early age should always be seen as a positive thing, some parents are feeling torn over a children’s book that teaches little ones about where sperm comes from and how reproduction works in general. While this book aims to function as an educational tool, some parents are less than happy about the “inappropriate” and “rude” Where Willy Went* and want it banned.
- Some parents really aren’t comfortable with being direct. The issue here seems to be that some parents believe that kids shouldn’t learn about procreation and the reproductive system when they’re young, which is ridiculous. You’re raising small humans that will one day be adults. They should be treated like people with brains, not idiots. Using the correct terminology and being frank about biology will only help raise more intelligent kids.
- If parents feel awkward, they should see the book as helpful. I get why some parents might be mortified at the thought of discussing sex and sexual function with small children, and while I think they should be mature themselves and get over it for the sake of their kids, Where Willy Went is the perfect example of a great tool for parents who just can’t seem to do it. However, that hasn’t stopped the controversy.
- So what’s the book all about? Where Willy Went: The Big Story of a Little Sperm follows – perhaps unsurprisingly – a sperm named Willy who lives inside a man named Mr. Browne and is in competition with 300 million other sperm to be the one that fertilizes an egg. The book is aimed at children between five and seven years old, and that seems pretty appropriate to me. Not to many parents, though!
- One woman was horrified when she found the book at her local bookstore. Taking to the Facebook group Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas, one concerned mom wrote: “Thought I’d buy my daughter a new book and came across this.. in the children’s area. We settled for Paddington bedtime stories don’t worry.” Lighten up, lady!
- Many people thought she was being a little ridiculous. As one critic responded: “Omg really a picture book that informs about biology and anatomy in a healthy way!? And in the children’s section too?!! What is the world coming to!! How dare these children learn about their own bodies and the functions they possess may the lord have mercy on their souls.” Another commenter added that their kids actually own and love the book. “My kids love this book – I have a problem with the sperm being called Willy but hey-ho, accepted by intended audience!” I guess to each their own!
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