by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: April 08, 2009

"Wee wee" and "pee pee" may be cute coming from a four-year-old, but how cute is it for these terms to stick with a child who is ten? Or, well into adolescence? As awkward as it may be for some parents to speak to their children about certain body parts, especially those that pertain to reproductive organs, it is important that kids learn the correct names for these parts of their anatomies.

Using euphemisms for body parts can not only leave your children confused as they grow older, it can also give them the impression that talking about anatomy is somehow "wrong." Parents should teach their children the correct names for their body parts so that their children can become more comfortable talking about their bodies throughout childhood and even into adolescence.

In addition, as children begin to explore their own bodies more and learn that there are visible differences between themselves and peers or siblings of the opposite sex, it is only natural for them to start asking questions. When children begin to ask questions of a sexual nature, their ability to use and understand the correct terminology when it comes to their body parts will assist parents in teaching them about the "birds and the bees."

If you are having difficulty teaching your children the correct names for their body parts, keep in mind that you should always maintain a calm and relaxed tone when attempting to teach them about anatomy. If you are awkward or not relaxed, your children are likely to pick up on this negative energy and they may associate feelings of discomfort with discussions over body parts.

Furthermore, parents can turn to a number of available books on the subject of anatomy that are designed specifically to teach children of various ages about the numerous parts of their bodies. Sit down with your child and go over the pictures, explaining to them what each part of the body does and showing them the different parts on their bodies and/or on your own.

Overall, the more that your children known about their bodies (including the correct terminology and the functions of different body parts), the more comfortable they will feel speaking about their bodies in general. Not only can this be extremely beneficial when and if a child is ever injured or ill, it will also help your child feel more comfortable within his or her own skin. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to the human body, it is never too early for children to know the parts of their bodies, what these parts do, and how the parts may change over time as they grow up. It is much more appropriate for a child of any age to use the correct words rather than giggling over anatomical terms like "vagina" or "penis." And, after all, it is infinitely better for your child to get the facts from you rather than believing misconstrued or inaccurate information from friends or peers.

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