by Melissa Harlow

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

Every parent thinks it is cute when their two-year-old has to "wee-wee" in the potty. It isn't so cute though when that same boy's "winkie" hurts four years later. "Which is more disturbing?" you wonder aloud as you look up the doctor's phone number. "The rash around the 'winkie' or the fact that it still is a 'winkie'?" This is where you realize baby talk has gone way too far and a line needs to be drawn. Your little boy is not so little anymore. It is time to teach him about his body before someone else does.

My boy got out of his name-calling phase at about age four. "Potty" became toliet. "Wee-wee" was finally urine. "Pee-pee" was defined as his penis. I was grateful that he got his words straight before entering kindergarten. Otherwise, I saw that it did not cause any real harm. He had everything straight in his own head as to what was what. After that point, we discussed his parts in proper terms. He was beginning to notice differences between him and myself. I had my husband handle bath time from that point forward with intent. It was our thought that if we teach him the basics now, the birds and bees would be easier later.

He is now turning nine and beginning to show the signs of early puberty. Teaching him his more intimate parts young has helped to ease this transition. He can more directly speak to my husband or his doctor about his personal areas. Understanding puberty itself can be a challenge. He knew what things were, but he did not know all of what they did. We are teaching him about a woman's body now. No baby talk, just straight out. He is becoming aware of changes to his body and the female classmates around him. If children understand their own bodies, puberty is not such a shock to the system.

For the first few years, using baby talk to encourage potty training can be a smart move. Eventually, it becomes less effective and downright inappropriate. Your child's attitude is your best clue as to when he or she is ready. Teaching early can help ease into complicated issues in the future. They are more likely to be comfortable discussing their more intimate issues with yourself or a professional when they are ready. Teaching them their body parts early works. My husband and I can attest to it personally.

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