When is the right time to begin talking to your child about sex? Right away! Yes, even a toddler can understand (and needs to understand) information about her bodily functions and genitals. Why? Because if she learns to be ashamed of her body or is confused about her body, this can present later in life as body image
issues or shame surrounding her sexuality.
Here is how you can help your child embrace her body, her bodily functions and her anatomy:
• Tell her the correct names for her body parts, and use them every time. Don't use nicknames to refer to her genitals. This teaches her that her body is something to be hidden or masked. Correct terminology helps her to
understand and embrace her body without reservations or shame.
• Celebrate her bodily functions and be positive about them, not negative. For example, when changing her diaper, don't say, "P-U! That stinks!" Instead, say, "What a healthy bowel movement!" You might feel a little silly at first, but this is because you likely learned from your own parents to be ashamed of your bowel movements—when really, it is just a part of life!
• Normalize self-stimulation. In other words, don't slap their hands away or scold them for exploring their genitals. This self-exploration and curiosity is normal and healthy, so don't shame your child regarding it.
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issues or shame surrounding her sexuality.
Here is how you can help your child embrace her body, her bodily functions and her anatomy:
• Tell her the correct names for her body parts, and use them every time. Don't use nicknames to refer to her genitals. This teaches her that her body is something to be hidden or masked. Correct terminology helps her to
understand and embrace her body without reservations or shame.
• Celebrate her bodily functions and be positive about them, not negative. For example, when changing her diaper, don't say, "P-U! That stinks!" Instead, say, "What a healthy bowel movement!" You might feel a little silly at first, but this is because you likely learned from your own parents to be ashamed of your bowel movements—when really, it is just a part of life!
• Normalize self-stimulation. In other words, don't slap their hands away or scold them for exploring their genitals. This self-exploration and curiosity is normal and healthy, so don't shame your child regarding it.
Download
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