Taking to your child about genitals

Parents are usually nervous about talking to their children about genitals and sex.  However you have to know that children’s curiosity about their genitals is no different than their questions about the eyes , ears, nose and other private parts.

Questions about genitals is usually innocent questions. Children have to learn about their private parts anyway and it is best if that someone is you.

How should i respond about my toddler’s question about private parts ?

You have to be direct.  Give the child the correct name such as penis or vagina and avoid baby talk or using funny words . This will confuse them and make the discussion much more difficult.

If the child asks you what the genitals are used for, you can just say for going to the bathroom.  It is okay if you are  comfortable telling them they are used for making babies too. Toddlers do not understand sex and wont make that connection.

It is also possible for toddlers  to ask why their  siblings have different genitals than they do. You can just explain to them that each individual is different.  Just like someone has a bigger nose than  another person or someone has blue eyes and another has  brown eyes, in the same way girls’ genitals are different from boys.

You have to keep it forward and straightforward. It will make your child comfortable asking you more questions in future and pave the way for sex education in future. If you don’t  act embarrassed, the child will know that it is normal to ask questions about parts of the body and how they function.