I sensed it was on the horizon. For months, I was attuned to the signs, bracing myself for the inevitable Body Changes letter. Cue the dramatic music!
Memories from my childhood came flooding back. I remember sitting in class, trying to maintain my composure while secretly wishing for a trapdoor to appear beneath my desk. Just hearing the word “PENIS” could freeze half the class in place while the other half erupted in a chaotic mix of giggles and awkward shifting in their seats. And then, when the illustrations came up, it felt like time stood still—tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. There we were, staring at those cartoonish representations, as if they were meant for serious note-taking!
What even is the word “scrotum”? It sounds gross just saying it. Thank goodness I’m an adult now, free from that kind of public embarrassment. My kids, however, aren’t as lucky. They’re navigating this awkward yet essential phase, and my mission as a mom is to make it as educational and smooth as possible. While we don’t sit around the dinner table discussing anatomy, I make sure to answer their questions in a straightforward, age-appropriate way. I treat terms like “penis” and “vagina” as casually as I would “elbow” or “knee,” maintaining eye contact to keep things as chill as possible.
Most importantly, I want to foster open communication. I’d rather guide their understanding than let them encounter confusing information on the Internet or from that one overly confident kid at school. So, in preparation for this enlightening journey, I bought my child “the book” a few weeks ago. I encouraged her to explore it at her own pace, promising to discuss it together when she was ready.
One hour later, she tossed the book onto my lap. “Done, Mom.” I anticipated a slew of questions, but instead, I got these gems:
- “You know those drawings of breasts? What stage are you at, Mom?”
“The last stage.”
“Um, yours don’t look like that.”
What I wanted to say: “You’re spot on, kid. Four decades of life and nursing three kids have taken their toll. Thanks for the reminder to keep my robe on!”
What I actually said: “Cartoons aren’t real; they’re general representations.” - “Do you really need to wear a bra?”
What I wanted to say: “Seriously?”
What I actually said: “Not really, but it’s more socially acceptable, and it makes me feel better.” - “What’s that stuff that sometimes gets in your underwear?”
What I wanted to say: “Vaginal discharge.”
What I actually said: “Um, it’s… vagina juice.” Freezing up is a real thing! - “What’s vagina juice, Mom?”
What I wanted to say: “It’s pronounced VAGINA!”
What I actually said: “That’s how you say it, sweetie.” - “Do I have a Virginia, Mommy?”
What I wanted to say: “It’s pronounced VAGINA! And yes, all girls have one.”
What I actually said: “Go play!” - “What’s a Virginia, Mommy?”
What I wanted to say: “Stop saying Virginia! It’s VAGINA!”
What I actually said: “It’s a state, honey.” - “Why do they call it the ‘Public Area’? Because it shouldn’t be public!”
What I wanted to say: “It’s actually called the ‘Pubic Area’ after the bone down there.”
What I actually said: “Exactly!” - “What does menstruate mean?”
What I wanted to say: “It’s like a monthly battle with your body that leaves you feeling like a warrior.”
What I actually said: “It’s a special thing for women; it’s how we can have kids.” - “Does Daddy do it?”
What I wanted to say: “Nope, he’s the lucky one!”
What I actually said: “Nope, only girls do that. We’re special.” - “What can Daddy do?”
What I wanted to say: “He gets to be a guy.”
What I actually said: “He takes out the trash.”
I was ready to explain where babies come from. I was set to demonstrate the use of sanitary products. But here I am, trying to articulate the importance of a bra while also managing my own body’s changes. Not to mention the impending ninja warriors that will soon awaken again! I just want to chat about something else—maybe even get a little work done on my own self-image while I’m at it.
If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out this resource for guidance on pregnancy and home insemination or visit here for more tips. You could also explore this kit for home insemination topics.
In summary, parenting through these awkward questions can be challenging but also rewarding. Open lines of communication can make these topics less daunting, paving the way for a better understanding of their bodies.