Just be straight - tell her kissing is for older people. That's what you actually feel, isn't it? Just share your thoughts and feelings on this topic. Although young children are capable of feeling loving feelings toward the opposite sex, they shouldn't start acting on those feelings. Sexuality is part of our human nature and is constantly present, even in small children. That doesn't mean that we want our small children expressing that sexuality. There is a time and place for everything. Even though sexuality is normal, we don't expect adults to mate on the street - right feelings, but wrong time and place. Eleven year olds can like their friends - they just shouldn't start kissing them. Early sexual activity leads to more sexual activity. When that activity gets more intimate, there is a greater chance of sexual disease; the younger one starts sexual behavior, the more likely it is that he or she will contract a sexual disease. This is one good reason for holding off. Another reason is that maturity helps one negotiate sexual feelings and relationships and this is something that children lack! You can just say to your daughter that kissing is for older people just like driving a car is for older people; even though a thirteen year old could probably drive just fine, older people have more maturity that will help them be better, healthier drivers. Use whatever metaphors you like, but encourage her to be friendly without being sexual for now.   Sarah Chana