Do You Use Anatomically Correct Names For Body Parts?

June 18, 2009

Some mamas and papas are sticklers for using the anatomically correct names — penis, vagina, breasts, etc. — for private parts. Other parents prefer nicknames — pee pee, tee tee or chi chis, etc. — when talking about the human body. Though she knows the "dictionary terms," I often refer to my daughter's rear in fun loving ways — as tush or bum bum. What terminology does your family use?

Getty

14 Comments

JessieSP 3 years 45 weeks

I think using these types of names are absolutely appropriate. I've done it plenty of times myself over the years.

meandtheo 3 years 48 weeks

we use the correct names except for the butt...we call it her bumpsie!

mhg 3 years 48 weeks

we use correct names. the studies i've read suggest that children who know the anatomical names of their private parts are more likely to tell a parent if a person touches them inappropriately. it provides them with clear language for discussion of abuse (god forbid).

bluepuppybites 3 years 48 weeks

Our daughter knows the word butt, and knows what and where privates are on both boys and girls. I have been strict on having her use the word breasts, because I don't want her using the other words while we're in public or something.

3 years 48 weeks

I don't see the problem with not using the correct names. It's not like they are unaware what they are or won't learn them in due time.

Chouette4u 3 years 48 weeks

I'm like lil. I've told my daughter the "proper" names, but she can't say them very well so I generally use whatever terms she uses for now.

POPSUGAR Moms 3 years 48 weeks

We told our kids the actual names, but just use whatever they come up with for every day conversations.

3 years 48 weeks

We use correct names for the most part. We say labia more than vagina, as it's more accurate. But we say boobies, at least when referring to mommy's. :-p

kindo1313 3 years 48 weeks

We are pretty strict about using penis and vagina, although my husband has introduced balls vs. scrotum or testicles and we say chi-chis for breasts/breastfeeding.

cheersdarlin916 3 years 48 weeks

I used both with my son and I will use both with the one on the way. He knew all the proper terms but it was easier to say "point your Peeps in the right direction please".

pinkprincess1101 3 years 48 weeks

Yes.

pinkprincess1101 3 years 48 weeks

Yes.

NyckieRocks 3 years 48 weeks

Our son is only 1, but we use the real names for parts (with the exception of "boobies") when he points them out on himself, or us.

3 years 48 weeks

We use both! Our kids know the "proper" names for everything as well as nicknames. The nicknames are mostly what they've come up with when trying to say the proper names. They're only 6 and 3, but they don't have any issues with using the proper names, however they grandparents get quite uncomfortable when the kids are talking about them.

Link Love

14 Comments

You Might Also Like