When your child asks you where babies come from, how do you answer? This can feel like a tough spot. How much information do you share? Do you tell the truth or make up a cute story?

What about the names of the body parts? Is it okay to use the actually terms penis, vagina, vulva, anus, and on they go? Honestly, it is actually very important to use the actual names for body parts. This builds confidence around the body and sexuality as a person grows into adulthood.

SEXUAL TOPICS ARE NOT TABOO

In my opinion, it is important to build a safe space in your home for the topic of sex and bodies. Better the kids can ask their parents than their friends in order to get the correct information. Or trying to have a conversation after it’s too late. Often times parents avoid the topic because it is uncomfortable for them. Perhaps they did not have a safe space to ask questions about sex and their bodies when they grew up so they really have no idea what or when to say what. Understandably so.

When parents discuss the topic of bodies, sex, and babies when a child is younger, the child is not uncomfortable. Instead they are naturally curious and want to learn about their bodies. They also find it fascinating that a baby grows in womb. Use that fascination as a tool to teach and support the child’s desire to learn.

Here is a handy tool to help parents start building that safe place. This book, It’s Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends (The Family Library), helps make the taboo topics, not taboo. Instead, it shares about a part of life in a positive and healthy way. It is for children ages 4 and up.

This book is filled with wonderful illustrations and a ton of great information for a parent to share with their child. I read this book with my son. He loves it and is engaged by asking questions and pointing out what he sees.

If You Laugh When Saying Body Parts…

Practice saying whatever words make you giggle without giggling before you read this book with your child. In your day-to-day life start saying the actually name for the body part instead of a cute nickname. For example say “penis” instead of “pee-pee”.

Adding this book into your book shelf just might build your child’s body confidence. It may also help the parent change a taboo topic into a healthy topic within their family.

Let me know what you think about It’s NOT the Stork in the comments. Also, feel free to share any other tools you use to talk to your kids about sex, babies, and their bodies.

Have a beautiful day! Hugs, Steph