I don't exactly know how to start this off, I have a three year old daughter. Lastnight she drew me a picture and told me it was a vagina. I thought it was funny. Well I shared this story with my mother in law who did NOT find it funny at all and asked if they were teaching anatomy in daycare. I didn't understand. I'm very open about talking about such stuff and teaching my daughter the correct names for her body parts seemed quite reasonable to me. If I'm going to teach her "knee" "elbow" "foot" ect....shouldn't vagina be in there as well? Am I wrong?
I agree with you. I believe we should teach our children the correct names for ALL of our body parts. Not everyone thinks this way as you found out by your mother in-laws reaction. I think it helps them to feel they can be open and comfortable. It paves the way for when they get older to talk about things openly. I think it is important for you to teach your daughter the way you feel you should.
I do not think that Vagina is a bad word to teach your daughter. Your mother in law is probably not going to agree, and that is fine. She is your daughter, not hers.
My daughter is 5 and has know that it is her vagina since she asked me what it was. Why should we make up silly words for it? Thats what it is! Sometimes she thinks it is her bum. They are innocent, and should be told the truth about their bodies. They will eventually find out-won't they? Why not just stop the confusion before it occurs?
Its OK!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning the proper names for body parts. Vagina is not a dirty word!
Hey Char,
You arent wrong! I think this is a classic generation gap. When our Moms were young moms, very few of them were encouraged to use correct anatomical terms. Its probably just funny to your daughter, the same way saying poop or pee is funny. I wouldnt worry about it.
I def wouldn't say it's a bad word, just prob something other moms might not be comfortable with their child coming home from daycare having learned from your daughter. (BTW, i find that she drew a pic of it hilarious!!) I had a nurse for a mother and the word i learned for it was "labias". When i used that word when i was older, all the other girls had never heard it and thought it was weird. We plan on using "noonie". Anyway you say it, it means the same thing. Your girl prob just likes the sound of the word, (ya gotta admit, it sounds pretty exotic!)and it will soon just be another body part. Don't worry, and just rock on with your anatomically correct selves!
I completely agree with you about the word. I don't know how I would have reacted if my daughter drew the picture too though (although probably the same way...and I probably would have also gotten the same reaction). My daughter is 6 now and is already embarrassed about talking about "bathroom words" and private areas of her body. I always use the proper anatomical words for her body parts as well as her little brother (she learned his basically when he was born and she saw a boy naked for the first time).
C.,
i think your approach with your daughter is "spot on". it's none of my business, but it sounds like your mother-in-law needs to get her head out of the 1950's & understand that repressing children will only hurt them & possibly lead to them resenting you & your husband in the future.
good luck!
No, it's a part of her body and nothing to be ashamed of. Your mil has the issue, not you! :)
