"Daddy, where did I come from?" the seven-year-old asked.

It was a moment for which her parents had carefully prepared.

They took her into the living room, got out the encyclopedia and several other books, and explained all they thought she should know about sexual attraction, affection, love, marriage, and reproduction.

Then they both sat back and smiled contentedly.

"Does that answer your question?" her father asked.

"Not really," the little girl said. "Marcia said she came from Detroit. I want to know where I came from."