Teaching about the private body parts is one of the first and most important things for you to do in preparing your child for puberty. Learning about their private body parts helps your child to understand their body and how to take care of it. It also allows your child to build the skills involved in identifying private places and private behaviours, which are essential skills to keep safe and participate in the community.
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Conversation Starters
Can you name all the parts of your body? Let’s try! (Start from the head and go downwards – turn it into a game!)
Can you tell/show me who the boss of your private body parts is?
There are some rules about private body parts; can you tell me the rules?
Strategies for you to try
Practice getting comfortable with using the names of the private body parts
You might like to try saying the names in the mirror, or even labelling them on your own body. Practicing saying the names by yourself is a good way to get comfortable before incorporating them into everyday language. Remember, it is OK to feel awkward!Use the names of private body parts in daily conversation
When you are ready, you can start using the correct names for private body parts just like you would with the other body parts. You can do this:- during personal care (e.g. toileting: you need to wipe your vulva after you do a wee)
- when your child is getting changed (e.g. I’m putting your underwear on, underwear covers your penis because it is a private body part)
- using books and resources where there are cartoon depictions of private body parts (see below for recommended resources)
Special girl’s business
