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When your children reach an age where they start referring to their body parts, it can get a little tricky if you're not comfortable with using the words penis or vagina.

Yes, no-one enjoys having to talk about their private bits but at the end of the day, it's just a body part. Elbows, lips, knees, breasts - All body parts. 

When a mom recently asked for some advice on the matter from our Facebook community, this what they had to say on the matter.



Protecting your child

I have to Advocate Annelie Laas who commented saying, "From the perspective of legal Practitioners and police: it is imperative to teach your child the correct biological term for genitalia. Why? If he or she should ever be sexually assaulted it is important for a child to correctly identify body parts. 'Flower' is not the same as 'vagina'. This is to help your child - there is nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade if it could potentially help in future."

It's a sad reality but sexual abuse a danger children need to be protected from. No matter how uncomfortable certain words may make you feel.

Cutesy words or soft porn?

On the lighter side of this awkward situation, watch this discussion between a few mothers on Momversation. Some of the names they've heard for private parts will have you in stitches.



Not convinced? Take a look at what others parents have to say on the matter:

Calling a penis a penis

The dangers of peepees and winkies

It's called a vagina!

Do you make up names for your children's private parts?