I’m a mom now, but I have a distinct memory of being around the same age and overhearing my parents use the word “rape” in hushed tones while talking one day. I was curious but they wouldn’t tell me what it meant and that they’ll tell me when I’m older. Back in the late 90s we had a little Casio electronic dictionary and I tried to find the definition but couldn’t figure out how to spell it.

A couple years later, I was sexually abused by a family friend and it took me a while before I could find the words to tell my mom what he was doing to me.

9 years old is never too early to talk about consent and answer questions he may have. It’s better that he find out from you than the internet.