OK, so what do you call your private parts?! ...

[paddycat]

...specifically in the context of discussing this with your children, I don't need to know your bedroom secrets (not unless you want to share!)

We have 2 ds - 5 and 4 - and have basically stuck with "willy" for want of a better word as this tends to be most commonly used amongst their friends - but what about girls? I loathe anything twee or silly and so far have just said private parts (yes I know that is a bit twee too) and they know the proper name is vagina. We have lots of questions at the mo due to another baby on the way and specifically "where will the baby come out of mummy"?

Not a big deal in the scheme of things, but would be v. interested to see what others do ...

[OverMyDeadBody]

search the archives, you'll find hundreds of threads discussing this topic.

I go with using the correct terms as much as possible, I know this can make everyday situations seem very science-lesson to some people, but it's what works for DS and me.

[Tortington]

tuppy tuppence when young

fadge, fudge, fanjo, fandango, 'yer bits' vagina when a little older (secondary)

boy

didge 'yer bits'

god i can't remember!

and then penis when secondary -

testicles always called balls - i never consudered it swearing

[NatalieJane]

Girly bum.

[mummyjaguar]

winkle for boys and twinkle for girls.

I don't know why, it just popped into my head and seemed appropriate and nice.

Friends daughter calls hers her fairy.

When I was little it was my minnie which got shortened to min - again god knows why

[pagwatch]

oh god. Not again.

Delores. I shall call them Delores

[Farb]

Vulva.

[Wheelybug]

still haven't really sorted this one out and dd is 3.3 - we sort of use a mixture of bottom and bits... hmm..

But perhaps one someone can help me with - dd said today 'the squidy bit is your bottom but what do you call the bit where the poo poo comes out of' .... Answers on a postcard....

[Farb]

Wheelybug - anus.

[Wheelybug]

hmmm yes, but (wrong though you may think it) I don't really want dd announcing to all and sundry - 'the squidgy bits are my bottom but poo comes out of my anus'.... and she would. I think I managed to persuade her it was all her bottom.

[policywonk]

I do think, particularly if you're discussing birth, it's important to distinguish between the vulva and the vagina. Otherwise you will have some seriously confused children.

[Farb]

Wheelybug, I never make a big thing of it, but if my children ask "what is this bit here called mummy"? Then I tell them.

If she were to come out with it infront of the Rector, then I would nod and say "yes, that's right" and move along. Then I would casually offer another macaroon in a non fazed manner.

[jambot]

Fanny for the front bits and bottom for the back. Next problem, how do you explain clitoris!! DD (3) was checking herself out and asked what that "bit that looks like a pea" is. What do you call it and how to to explain that one.