Dear Kivrin,

Someday, someone will tell you how babies are made. It’s pretty interesting, and a lot of fun, and there are plenty of books on the topic if you want to learn more about it.

I’ve been thinking a lot this week, and there are a lot of things in the world that are upsetting to people. Some of those things are written down in books, and sometimes the books have illustrations.  Not everyone is upset by the same kinds of things. Sometimes people talk about whether kids should be allowed to see those pictures, and whether those pictures are harmful to minors.

In case it ever comes up when you are older, (and in case I get all puritanical in my old age) here is a short list of some of the things I worry may be harmful or upsetting for you to view someday.

assassinations
natural disasters
ethnic cleansing
people hurting other people
segregation
weapons and their damage
poverty and hunger
crime scene photos

I know that you will see images of all of these things, maybe before you are ready, definitely before I am ready. I’m not going to blindfold you to protect you from seeing the world. I don’t think you will ever be “old enough” but I’ll do my best to talk to you about what you see, and explain anything I can to help you understand.

Love,
Mommy