baileyjohanna

Hi everyone,

I'm writing an article about what parents teach their kids to call their private parts. I'd really appreciate it if you all could let me know what you decided to teach your kids (as well as why). Thanks so much!

Johanna

musicmom

When they were little we called them "peanuts" when they were old enough to speak properly I told them their correct names "vagina" and "penis"
I knew I had to do this because I heard of a court case where the child did not know the correct name of their private parts and it made it hard to convict the predator. That is why I taught them the correct term. They were six when I told them.

Lissa

Oliver calls it a peepee. And boy is he obsessed with that thing.

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musicmom

Lissa

OMG Lately it has gotten worse. He doesn't even play with his toys in the bathtub anymore. He's too fascinated by his thing. He just sits in the tub for 15 minutes and pokes at it. I'll walk in on him and be like "uh...nevermind...carry on" lol

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musicmom

Trina

We have taught our kids the proper terms from the very beginning. I think this is very important for several reasons. Boys have a penis, just as they have a nose or a mouth. Girls have a vulva, just as they have knees and toes. Why do people use different names for genitals? I feel this sends a message that these parts are somehow dirty or shameful. If they learn all the proper terms of body parts, and are used to using these terms, they aren't embarrassed to ask questions about their bodies as they grow and mature. This comes in handy at the onset of puberty or when they start asking questions about sex or where babies come from.

Another BIG reason to teach the proper terms is to help prevent and determine sexual abuse. Years ago, as a teacher, I attended a teaching seminar about abuse. One presenter made it very clear how important the proper terms are. She shared a case story with us. A little girl in Kindergarten told her teacher that someone had been touching her "cupcake". Of course, the teacher thought she was referring to food. Later it was learned that this little girl was trying to reveal that an adult at home was inappropriately fondling her. If she had stated in the beginning that someone was touching her "vagina" or "privates" then she would have gotten the help she needed much sooner.

Which leads me explain that it's also important to teach kids their genitals are "private", and to explain what "private" means. As in no one should be touching them. Only Mom, Dad, a nurse or doctor to keep them clean and healthy.

This reminds me of a visit with my parents. DS and DD were playing catch, and the ball hit DS's groin. He yelped, "OW! That hit my penis!" DD apologized and teased him for not catching it. Meanwhile my Father was giving me a very dirty look. I asked, "What's wrong?" He replied angrily, "I can't believe you taught him THAT word!" Me: "What word??" Dad: "The 'P' word!" OMG, I was trying very hard not to laugh in his face. I said, "You mean "penis"? Yes, Ty has one, as all boys do, and Beth also knows she has breasts and a vagina. Imagine that?!" My Dad still isn't happy with me, but tough cookies. LOL!

HappyMomma

LOL, I never realized that penis was a "dirty word"

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The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
~Lane Olinghouse

meow_173

I totally agree with Trina. When you make a big deal about the tabbooness of people's privates, then kids will pick up on it and their parts will become tabboo to them.

Luke has a peepee right now, but if you asked him where his penis is he would point to it. SO he knows what it is and where it is lol

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Teresa

We used the proper terms from birth....less confusing that way, IMO.

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Wife to Barry
Mother to Brian,Adrienne and Amy
Christianity is not a religion like most people think. Christianity is a life of imitating Jesus.