How to Explain Body Development to a Toddler

Your toddler is exploring the world around him and becoming curious about what is similar and different between him and his friends or siblings. This general curiosity may lead to some questions from your toddler that make you uncomfortable, but facing them head on is the right answer. Talking to your toddler about his body, what makes him a boy and perhaps even answering basic questions about sex if he is curious is something that every parent has to do at some point.

Instructions

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      Use the right words. When you talk to your toddler about her developing body and the bodies of others, it is important to use the correct terminology. Penis, vagina, anus and vulva are words that your toddler should know. Using cutesy nicknames may indicate that those body parts are something to be embarrassed about and you want your child to have a healthy view of her private parts. Using the wrong words for these body parts can also be confusing to your child when she grows older and hears her peers talk about sex, says Dr. Steven C. Atkins, clinical associate at Dartmouth Medical School's department of child psychiatry.

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      Answer the questions your toddler has the first time he asks, even if you are in public. The topic may come up in casual conversation as he sees you get out of the shower and wonders why you do not have a penis or it might come from a question he has about something he overhears. You do not need to get into a long conversation about his question, instead answer him with straightforward, age appropriate language and ask if he has any other questions.

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      Discuss the importance of private parts and when it is appropriate to talk about them. For example if your toddler asks an embarrassing question about her or someone else̵7;s body in public, offer her a quick answer but reiterate that those conversations should take place in private. Explain who can touch her private parts -- doctors and mom and dad if needed -- and what to do if someone else wants to touch her.

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      Recognize that it is normal and age-appropriate for your toddler to explore his body. At this age, he is just doing what feels good and there is no sexual satisfaction that comes from touching himself or masturbating, according to Dr. Atkins. Try to redirect your toddler to another room or bathroom and explain that touching himself in public is not appropriate, says Laura Betts, LICSW, MSW in her article ̶0;Talking with Toddlers About Sexual Curiosity̶1; for Disney̵7;s Baby Zone website.

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