For my toddler I mostly use the correct words, but use a bit of a softer version for one or two. As he gets older I’ll switch to using the proper words for everything. There are a lot of books I have seen that can help with these discussions and the theory behind it

There are some amazing books out there that talk about the body, in an age appropriate way… but now importantly, body safety. Using the correct terms for body parts is the start of learning body safety. For example, if a little girl calls her vulva a flower and is abused, it makes it harder to get a conviction… the man may indeed have been playing with her flower.

I think most Mums here are saying the same. Use real names for body parts and just add it in general conversation. No whispering about bits or making it sound shameful or embarrassing. You have to bring up the appropriate issues too about being naked in front of others, touching etc.

Agree with all the other comments. Using real names, being honest, age appropriate and brief allowing them to ask questions as need. I know when my boys were younger there were some helpful resources online, although I can’t remember the site now.

I was always honest with my daughter and talked about body part using their real names. I just kept it short and isn’t go into too much detail. There are many books out there that you could read and then ask your child what questions they have after reading the book. I found this a really effective way to have a conversation.

I’m quite a believer in saying as it is and don’t make up silly words for body words but the real actual name. A good moment to share about this is when they go in bath or use the toilet. Also I found it very important to take and answer any question they come with seriously and openly. On the moment they ask about it they are ready to get more explanation. Books can be helpful too !

Agree with fellow mum comments here – it is best to teach them the correct names for their body parts as this helps them discuss things with you without any confusion or question. At this age, teaching them the correct names would be a great start following on about who can and cant see these private areas.

I found the best way to go with our kids was to be open an honest whenever our kids brought up body parts or sensitive issues up (obviously in an age appropriate way) I know that when I was young my parents always shut down conversations like that and said ‘we will talk about this later’ or something along those lines. It got to a stage where I learnt everything from friends and didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. Keeping things open with your kids will build trust and they will always come to you, I also had a few books in the house which were body friendly whilst age appropriate.

Always use the correct names for body parts, so they can accurately communicate if they need to share anything about their private areas. Answer questions honestly while keeping the information age-appropriate. Keep lines of communication open and honest, and never make any part of the body seem dirty or shameful.