Your Rhombus Is Showing: Why Kids Need to Learn the Correct Names for Their Body Parts! by Sapna Mukherjee, MD

Parenting
7 years ago

Your Rhombus Is Showing: Why Kids Need to Learn the Correct Names for Their Body Parts!

Children need to feel comfortable with their bodies – including their genitals. Just as we teach our children "eyes" and "toes," we need to teach them "penis," "breasts" and "vagina." Our use of euphemisms is partly due to our own discomfort with these body parts. This conveys the message that these parts are shameful or bad and that talking about them is bad.

  • Understanding our bodies promotes a positive self-image and enhances self-confidence.
  • Children who feel comfortable with their bodies are more likely to ask their parents questions about sex and sexuality, because they know they will get honest and accurate answers.
  • Children who are comfortable with their bodies are less likely to be abused and, if abuse does occur, helps facilitate the disclosure process. 

Read more about the importance of teaching kids about their bodies.

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Donna John
Such an important topic. Thanks for sharing and welcome to the tribe! Sapna Mukherjee, MD
Sapna Mukherjee, MD
My daughter made this at school and I had a hard time keeping a straight face! I sometimes worry that my KG son will tell his friends that "my sister came out of my mom's vagina" and other parents will be upset but I just could not teach my children other names for their body parts.
Elisa Schmitz
What a wonderful tip, Sapna Mukherjee, MD! You are so right, of course. And, I love the picture your daughter drew - clearly she is comfortable with her rhombus, LOL! Thank you and welcome to our 30Seconds tribe! Looking forward to sharing more of your great insights with our community.
Sapna Mukherjee, MD
So happy to be here Elisa! My son and daughter were arguing if she was a boy or girl this morning over breakfast...his slam dunk argument? You have a vagina so you HAVE to be a girl!
Elisa Schmitz
Bahaha, kids do say the darndest things! That's one to save for your book, Sapna Mukherjee, MD!
Dr. Shayna Mancuso
As an OB/Gyn, you know I love this!!
Welcome to the tribe, my friend!
Angda Goel
Thanks for the reminder that we add connotations to words for our children. It's time to be straightforward.
Dieter Schmitz
Welcome Sapna Mukherjee, MD to 30Seconds. Love your first tip!
Veena Ramaiah
Thanks for sharing. The oddest one I ever heard was a little girl told me she had a "hamburger". When I asked why she called it that, she said "Boys have a hot dog and girls have a hamburger." Go figure.
Şeyda Calderwood
Thank you for sharing this tip. As a first time mother and not growing up with a lot of kids around me I can use a little help for sure. I love the concept of 30 seconds and love the tip that you shared. Thank you for also sharing related books that could help further. This tip came in just in time as I have a 6 year old with tons of questions and he is in discovery mode.
Sapna Mukherjee, MD
Hi Seyda, yes these boys ask a lot of questions and like potty language!
Jaya
Thanks Sapna- totally agree. Grandma, from a different culture, may not be so thrilled. But we have to get her with the times! Thanks for the reminder!
Donna John
Yes! Agree 100 percent!

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