All these things can be prevented if we merely acknowledged these body parts as they are. Children need to know that their vulva, vagina, scrotum, and penis are just normal parts of their body, like their arms, their legs, eyes, and ears. We can explain that they are different in that they are private, and that we keep them covered, but they are a healthy and integral part of our body, nonetheless.
As parents, we have the power to help change the narrative. So…. vulva, vulva, penis, penis, penis, penis, testicles, scrotum, vagina and so on! Say it with me and keep practising on your own to help you feel more comfortable. The more you get used to saying it, the less uncomfortable it is, and the more natural your child will feel coming to you for advice or with concerns.
I stock a wonderful book called ‘Your Whole Body’ aimed at 2-6-year-olds, which is an excellent resource to assist parents to teach their children the correct names for their genitals in a comfortable and natural way by seamlessly weaving in the explanations and illustrations for private parts as the book explores the body from head to toes.
Laura Alexander is the founder of Our Mindful Children, which curates well-being resources for children, as well as encouraging and supporting parents to have open, honest and shame-free conversations with their children. You can find more information about consent and body safety education on Our Mindful Children’s social media accounts (@ourmindfulchildren) and there are many more resources to assist parents, caregivers, and teachers around this topic on Laura’s website: www.ourmindfulchildren.com.
