explaining a vasectomy to a child

[beautifulbirths]

My husband is having a vasectomy and we are wondering how to explain the recovery to our 6 yr old daughter. We are picking him up at the hospital, he'll have an ice pack (bag of frozen peas) on his scrotum for a day or two, and won't be able to rough house with them (we have a 3 yr old son, too) for a week. I'm wondering, how have others explained it.

[Xerxella]

Honestly, I wouldn't explain anything to him. I would just say daddy's not feeling well or he has a boo-boo. A 3 year old and a 6 year old don't (and I believe shouldn't) need to know the details of their parents reproductive decisions.

[rachelsmama]

A detailed description of the the procedure with anatomical details would work with my kids.  The big picture is a bit boring to most kids, but anatomy fascinates them.  The worst thing you could do is not answer questions, or give answers that are obviously untrue, that will just make them worry.