Dear Bonnie,

You are absolutely right that kids today know more than a generation ago. My first guess is that your daughter heard the term on TV. The media (radio, TV, movies, books and internet) gives kids today information without parental supervision that was unheard of even a few years ago. From Animé to commercials for drugs for "E.D." - in the middle of what most parents assume is relatively wholesome programming, no wonder you're concerned and confused.

I don't believe that 10 year olds need a detailed anatomical explanation of your daughter's question. They need parental protection and supervision as much today as ever. Ask your daughter where she heard the term "male enhancement" and what she thinks it means. She may think it means something completely different from what you assume she means. Depending on your comfort level and style as a parent, I would say the least amount to begin with or simply that it refers to male body parts that she may not understand until she's older. Let your daughter react to that answer and she may be just fine. If she insists on wanting to know more information from you, you may want to have more of a conversation and find out what else she and her friends talk about. I don't believe there is any one right way to respond as a parent. We all have different styles and situations with our children. But, keep in mind that you can always go back and talk to her some more about any other questions she has, but that too much information about sexual material may be unsettling at best and upsetting at worse. Don't be afraid to draw limits and say this is too adult to discuss in detail right now, if that's what you think.

Don't forget to ask your daughter if she's heard this term in a health class at school. Many health classes for children today are graphic and sophisticated. Be sure to know what the curriculum includes specifically.

Sometimes, it's even ok to say, I don't think you're old enough to understand what the topic is about, but if you have more questions, please let me know. She should always feel that you welcome her questions and will provide the filtering of information that she will need for some time. Call it being a parent.

If these questions from your child disturb you, you may also want to get involved in parent campaigns to protect kids from harmful media. There are many organizations out there, which monitor, for eg. TV & movie contents for children. Find one and consider signing a petition!

Good luck! - Dr. Foster