Submitted by Elizabeth, Denver  CO

Does it really matter which words we teach our toddler to use for her body?

Answered by Eliza Clark , Savvy Source Parenting & Preschool Editor

The experts all agree: the way in which we talk about our children’s bodies (and for that matter our own and other people’s) really makes a difference.  Generally speaking, we do our best to give our kids a wide vocabulary so that they can express themselves as precisely as possible on all manner of subjects. The topic of bodies and all their parts and functions should be no different. Preschoolers are happy to wield terms like “wee wee” and “pee pee,” but why should they be reduced to baby talk about their own bodies when they already have a complex and wide ranging vocabulary for everything else? So even though it may make you squirm at first, introduce them as early as possible to the correct anatomical lexicon. Using real words shows real respect for this important aspect of the body and self. And as a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy all of the hilarious mispronunciations….