Names for private parts of the body

Talking about names for private parts of the body

Before we offer some help with talking with your child about names for private parts of their body it might be helpful to explain why children need to know these words.

Firstly, if we use the correct words children will learn that the genitals/private parts are just a part of their body, and so children need to know what to call them. We can help keep children healthy and safe throughout life if we avoid giving the message that their genitals (private parts) are something so embarrassing that we need to give them nicknames or not refer to them at all. From an early age, we can teach children that the parts of their body that are private have names that we can all use and understand without embarrassment or shame. We all want our children to have a positive view of their body.

Secondly, when children know the names for parts of their body, they will be healthier and safer. This is because when a child knows the correct words and has the confidence to use them, they can tell us (and know that it is okay to tell us) when something is sore or uncomfortable. They can also learn as they grow up that if someone touches them or shows them their genitals, or shows them a pictures or film of such, then they can tell a trusted adult exactly what has happened.

We can use these words to name private parts.

There is also some suggestion as how we can explain a bit more about the part of the body.

Vulva: Girls have a vulva. When a girl goes to the toilet to urinate/(pee/wee) it comes down a tube called the urethra which ends just inside the vulva, so that’s where the urine comes out. (Note: If a child uses the word vagina to describe this part, we can say) Sometimes people use the word vagina, but the vagina is actually just the bit inside the girl’s vulva. So, if you are a girl, the bit you see between your legs when you look at your body is your vulva.

Penis: Boys have a penis. When a boy goes to the toilet to urinate/(pees/wees) the urine comes down a tube called the urethra that goes ot the end of his penis and that’s where the urine comes out.

Scrotum and testicles: The scrotum is the sack of skin that hangs under the boy’s penis. Inside there are little balls called the testicles.

Nipples: Boys and girls have nipples. When a girl grows, she will develop breasts. If a woman has a baby, then she can breast feed her baby; the baby would get milk from its mum’s nipples. Sometimes people ask, “so, why do boys have nipples?” All babies develop the same way until their mum is about 8 weeks pregnant, and that includes nipples. So, if the baby that is growing inside the mum develops to become a boy, he will still have nipples.

You might want to introduce the idea (now or later) that as a girl grows, and for a woman, her breasts are private too.

These images might support your conversations.