One of the many questions I have been dreading anticipating since my first child was born almost 6 years ago finally came up today.
As we were playing outside enjoying the absolutely gorgeous weather, my three kids and I, the topic of conversation turned to anatomy.
“Mommy, do you have a ‘jina?” My three year old daughter asks. (So glad she is finally using “Jina” rather than her favorite term, which would be “cootcheypop!”)
“Why yes, yes I do.” I replied.
“What’s a ‘Jina’?” asks my five year old son. “Is it girl potty parts?”
“Yep, that’s exactly what it is.”
“Girl potty parts look weird.” He says. “It looks like they were cut in half.”
Well ok, that’s an interesting description, but I can understand why it would look like that to him.
I waited for more questions, but I got off easily today. Just like that, the conversation changed to something else – probably who would win if Darth Maul and Spiderman were in a fight, or something along those lines.
Saved by the short attention span of a five year old boy! I have been long awaiting the questions about anatomy and sex, and truthfully have been terrified of the day. I have always been ridiculously modest and shy and have never been able to say the “potty parts” words with any level of comfort. I even originally taught my kids words like “peterbug” and “JJ” to avoid using those embarrassing terms.
However, over the years I have had a change of heart. As I realize how important it is in this day and age to be able to have open and honest discussions with our children about topics such as body parts, sex, reproduction, inappropriate touching, disease, and so many other things, I have to be able to use the actual terms without blushing and giggling if I expect my kids to have serious conversations with me.
Therefore I am working on teaching my kids the actual scientific terms, and although we’re not completely there yet (it’s still a wenus and a ‘jina) we are getting closer. I want them to know that these conversations are important and they can feel comfortable asking me questions. The type I could never have asked my parents.
After today’s conversation, I feel more confident that when the day comes that the questions get more difficult, I will be ready! And if not, I can always just steer the conversation back to a Sith Lord or Batman… or something!
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