The phrase the birds and the bees is a metaphor for explaining the mechanics of reproduction to younger children, relying on imagery of bees pollinating and eggs hatching to substitute for a more technical explanation of sexual intercourse.

Where did the expression the birds and the bees come from?

Samuel Taylor Coleridge is credited with referring to the two species in the context of love in his 1825 collection Work Without Hope: All nature seems at work . . . The bees are stirring–birds are on the wing . . . and I the while, the sole unbusy thing, not honey make, nor pair, nor build, nor sing.

Is there an actual story about the birds and the bees?

According to tradition, the birds and the bees is a metaphorical story sometimes told to children in an attempt to explain the mechanics and results of sexual intercourse through reference to easily observed natural events. …

What is the talk about the birds and the bees?

Bird and the Bees Meaning Definition: The natural facts of life. This phrase is a euphemistic way to talk about courtship and sexual intercourse; often parents will talk about the birds and the bees to their children rather than describe the explicit act of sex.

How do you explain birds and bees to a child?

How do I tell my son about the birds and the bees?

Make sure they know they are in charge of their bodies, and have the right to say NO if anyone touches them in a way that feels uncomfortable. Tell them who their safe adults are and as they age, LISTEN way more than you talk. Reserve judgment and be calm. Use a peer-to-peer communication style.

When should you have the birds and bees talk?

Most parents begin the talk with their children around 8 0r 9 years old. Once a child hits puberty, they are most likely to have questions about what’s happening with their bodies, and they will be erroneously educated by their peers.

What does it mean when someone says birds of a feather flock together?

Meaning: Those with similar interests or of the same kind tend to form groups. Example: A: John and James seem to get along really well.

Do birds pee?

Birds brighten our lives. … The answer lies in the fact that birds, unlike mammals, don’t produce urine. Instead they excrete nitrogenous wastes in the form of uric acid, which emerges as a white paste. And uric acid doesn’t dissolve in water easily.

Why is it called flip the bird?

According to some sources, in the 19th century one could give a bird as a symbol of derision or displeasure. This could be a hissing sound, much like a goose, used by theatre-goers in Australia. … Perhaps because of the gesture involved, the term became flipping the bird.

At what age should a child learn about the birds and the bees?

Somewhere along the way in elementary school probably around age 7 to 10 your child will want to know more specifics about where babies come from.

How do birds reproduce?

During mating seasons, the cloacal openings of both male and female birds swell, protruding slightly outside their bodies. … The male’s sperm, which has been stored in his cloaca, is deposited into the female’s cloaca, where it travels up the chamber and eventually fertilizes an egg.

How do you have the birds and bees talk?

Having the Birds and The Bees Talk

  1. Find a cheerful tone of voice and practice. …
  2. Don’t wrinkle your nose or convey that you think [certain body] parts or their functions are gross. …
  3. Keep cross-gender friendships thriving. …
  4. Manufacture time for talks: a ride in the car, a hike in the woods, a walk to get ice cream.

How do you explain where babies come from to a 9 year old?

How to begin talking to your grade-schooler about how babies are made

  1. Follow your child’s lead.
  2. Ask, then tell.
  3. Use the correct language.
  4. Tell a story.
  5. Be matter-of-fact.
  6. How does a baby get in there? A sweet and simple explanation will satisfy many children.

At what age should you have the talk with your son?

Depending on your child’s physical development, you may need to have a conversation as early as seven or eight years old. If your child isn’t showing signs of puberty yet, you can hold off until they are nine or ten. At this age, it is important to talk to your children about what is and isn’t appropriate.

What is the meaning of the proverb Beggars can’t be choosers?

Definition of beggars can’t be choosers used to say that people who need something should be satisfied with what they get even if it is not exactly what they wanted.

What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression to be blue in the face?

Exhausted from anger, strain, or other great effort. For example, You can argue until you’re blue in the face, but I refuse to go. This expression alludes to the bluish skin color resulting from lack of oxygen, which presumably might result from talking until one was breathless. See also under talk one’s arm off.

What is it called when birds flock together?

It’s called a murmuration. … You can search online for murmuration videos to see for yourself how incredible these large flocks of birds can be. As they fly, the starlings in a murmuration seem to be connected together.

What animal poops out of mouth?

Jellies seen to expel waste from their mouths might have been, in effect, vomiting because they were fed too much, or the wrong thing. According to recent DNA analyses, comb jellies evolved earlier than other animals considered to have one hole, including sea anemones, jellyfish, and possibly sea sponges.

What animal does not poop?

Are there any animals that don’t poop? As a matter of fact yes there are: Tardigrades – These little alien-like critters only excrete when they molt. So any fecal matter produced it not really pooped out as we would really describe it.

Do birds have a tongue?

First, most birds have pretty prosaic tongues. They look somewhat similar to ours but can have some interesting extra features. … Species such as woodpeckers and hummingbirds have more interesting tongues. Most of these birds have tongues that can extend far outside their bill (Figure 2).