Private Parts

Once your kid finds this section of their body be prepared to have some answers for them. When they are little you teach them, "point to your nose, point to your mouth, etc..." It is only a matter of time before they want to point and ask what is "down there."

The research shows that you are suppose to teach them the proper names to their parts, but it is so wierd to have your two year old saying vagina or penis. It just isn't as comfortable as when they call it their pee-pee or wee-wee or whatever nicknames parents use to make it less awkward.

Obviously if the "parts" are outta sight they are outta mind. But there are certain times that a child has to be naked, like for baths and dressing. Until recently I thought my kids were still of acceptable age to bathe together. I still think it is okay, but Bryce noticed that Leah has different parts than him. I love his description. He says, "Why does Leah have two butts? Why does her butt go ALLLLL the way around?" That is probably how it looks to a young kid, but I never thought of it that way before.

I explain to him that boys and girls have different parts and their "parts" are what make them a boy or a girl. I can't imagine how tough the birds and the bees talk is going to be when they are old enough. As an adult, you really take for granted the things you have learned in your life. Like, I know about the "parts" and what they are for but I don't remember when or how I learned about it.

Anyway, the whole private part issue is tough. I have always thought girls have it rougher, but boys don't really have it all that easy. If you are a mom to a boy you are probably aware of the whole "issue" that takes place down there (mostly in the mornings). I wasn't aware that boys have this "hard" issue until it became apparent during diaper changes. I never read to expect this in any books. Let me tell you, expect it! And expect it to keep happening. Bryce is now at an age where he can question it. He even gets pissed. "Mom, this thing won't go down!!" It's like...oh boy! Go ask your Dad. I have no idea. I say, "Stop messing with it and it should go away." He even asks WHY it happens. AWWWWW! HELP!!

Leah is just as intrigued by boobs and bras. She asked, "What are those?"
I told her they are my private parts and that girls have private parts up top too! She then asked, "When am I getting my boobs?"

When you picture your life as a parent, you don't really plan your answers to these type of questions. They kinda catch you off guard. You have to find appropriate ways to explain something that won't make sense to them until they are older. If you haven't hit these mildstones, my advice...well, I don't have any. Good Luck!