Teaching Kids the Real Names for Their Body Parts

Author: Jessica Lloyd
Senior Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopath | BHSc(N) | ISSVD, ISSWSH, BSSM, ATMS

Last reviewed: July 30, 2026

Talking about genitals and reproductive anatomy in vague terms isn’t helpful, and perpetuates the idea that the genitals are off-limits for discussion in any natural way. This avoidance only harms us and our children.

Explaining the different areas of your child’s genitals to them is not just for their own benefit in life, but to help explain their pain or discomfort to you or their doctor or teacher when it matters. If something is wrong, you need to be able to clarify which part – exactly – has a problem. ‘Down there’ just isn’t good enough.

Calling body parts by their real names is even more important when it comes to abuse prevention, with standard dialect being a key component of protecting kids.¹

Age-appropriate anatomically correct terms promote positive body image and self-confidence and facilitate better parent-child communication.² This discourages perpetrators, who often employ shame and secrets as a tool. If abuse does occur, it is a useful tool for figuring out just what has gone on and where.

Teaching plain and accurate language is the only way forward for healthier and happier lives. Body parts are body parts, and they shouldn’t come with stigma or shame.

Health questions should be answered accurately and honestly, and help should be given when requested. Schools and out-of-school activities aren’t always safe places for kids, so leaving them without any tools for communicating issues accurately leaves them at a disadvantage.

Private parts are private parts, and kids need to know nobody else is allowed to touch theirs without their consent. This matters. Opening the lines of communication means children can feel safe and comfortable asking questions and talking about their bodies.

Names kids should know:

Vagina
Vulva
Penis
Testicles
Anus

Younger kids usually don’t need to know too much more. As they get older – into their preteens and teens – it’s important to move on to the next phase of learning about anatomy. Puberty can come as quite a shock, and hormones change the look and feel of the vagina and vulva.

If you are struggling to talk to your kids, get support. It’s not always easy to overcome our own training, so find support, get books, and get to it. Your kids need you.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I use correct names like vulva and penis with my kids?

Teaching kids about their bodies with real words removes shame, builds body confidence, and lets a child tell you or a doctor exactly what hurts. ‘Down there’ is not enough when something is wrong. Clear language also supports safety.

What genital words should young children know?

For younger children, the essentials are vulva, vagina, penis, testicles and anus. That is usually plenty at first. As they move into the preteen and teen years, you can build on it with more detail about puberty and how bodies change.

How does correct terminology help protect children?

Abusers often rely on shame, secrecy and vague language. A child who can name body parts plainly, and who knows nobody may touch their private parts without consent, is harder to groom – and if something does happen, they can describe it clearly to a trusted adult.

What if I feel embarrassed talking about this?

That is common, and it usually reflects how we were raised rather than anything wrong with you. Keep it matter-of-fact, treat these like any other body parts, and lean on good books or resources if you need them. It gets easier with practice.

This article is general information for parents and carers, not medical or legal advice. If you are worried a child has been harmed or is at risk, contact your doctor or your local child protection service. For help talking to your children, a GP, school counsellor or reputable child-safety organisation can point you to age-appropriate resources.