This Free Coloring Book Helps Kids Learn the Correct Names for Their Body Parts
It is important to teach children the anatomically correct names of body parts as early as possible. Your son has a penis, not a pee. Your daughter has a vulva, not a ladybug.
There are a number of reasons for this. First, our bodies are amazing, so why talk about them in encryption? In addition, knowing the correct terminology helps them communicate if something is wrong – your child can tell you, for example, what is burning or itching. And perhaps most importantly, it gives them a deeper understanding of bodily autonomy. Children who have been taught to tell the real names of their genitals – and how to avoid touching – may be less vulnerable to sexual abuse . (I tried to teach my daughter to use names from the beginning. One day my sister was changing her diaper and asked, “What should I do with this diaper cream?”
Amaze , a great resource for “ getting rid of the awkwardness of sex,” has released a free downloadable coloring book that includes a page illustrating the body parts of boys and girls . This is an easy way to introduce a young child to anatomically correct names – I mean, who doesn’t like to color? You can use it in tandem with your child about sex , consent and pleasure .
While these may not be the same conversations we had with our own parents, they are perhaps needed now, more than ever. I will gladly support anything that can help us start a discussion.