{"id":9064,"date":"2021-09-13T18:17:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T18:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/?post_type=cde-knowledge-base&p=9064"},"modified":"2025-08-27T08:35:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T13:35:50","slug":"understanding-our-bodies","status":"publish","type":"cde-knowledge-base","link":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/en\/knowledge-base\/our-community-says-no-mas\/understanding-our-bodies\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding our bodies"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Understanding our bodies<\/b><\/h3>

Start early<\/h4>

Affirm that the body is a good and special thing. Small children (infants and toddlers) touch themselves as they discover their bodies. They also often ask the names of different body parts. Tell them the names using appropriate language. When teaching your toddler about the nose and eyes, name the vulva or penis, as well. Use correct words and be matter-of-fact; this also communicates that their questions are welcome and important.<\/span><\/p>

When babies discover their bodies, they also learn what feels good. Allow this discovery without pushing the baby\u2019s hand from their genitals, making faces, or saying things like \u201cdon\u2019t touch that\u201d or \u201cthat\u2019s dirty.\u201d In this way, you can avoid giving early negative messages about the genitals. Young children who touch their genitals do it simply because it feels good, not because they are fantasizing about sexual relationships. We need to remember to take off the \u201cadult glasses\u201d and not overreact to children\u2019s early genital exploration.<\/span><\/p>

Teach them about private behavior<\/b><\/h4>

If your child is touching his or her genitals in public, make sure your child is aware of the behavior; acknowledge that it feels good but that such activity is to be done in private, and help your child identify \u201cpublic\u201d and \u201cprivate\u201d spaces. Naming the behavior is helpful; for example, \u201cI see you are touching your vulva. I am sure that feels good to you. That\u2019s something you enjoy in private, OK?\u201d In this way, you communicate the precise behavior and limit to your child. It\u2019s helpful to talk about this as simply as possible and without shaming. Remember, you want your child to know how his or her body works and what brings pleasure.<\/span><\/p>

Take initiative<\/b><\/h4>

Posiblemente conversar con tus hijos\/as sobre el tema de la sexualidad resulte dif\u00edcil y engorroso, y es posible que por eso no se sientan a gusto dici\u00e9ndote si les preocupa algo o haci\u00e9ndote preguntas. Hablar del tema, sin embargo, se hace m\u00e1s f\u00e1cil con la pr\u00e1ctica, y mientras m\u00e1s conversaciones tengas, t\u00fa y tus hijos\/as se sentir\u00e1n m\u00e1s c\u00f3modos\/as hablando sobre el tema. Conversa con todos\/as tus hijos sobre el tema, no importa cu\u00e1l sea su edad o sexo. Por ejemplo:<\/span><\/p>

Sexuality can be a difficult or uncomfortable subject to talk about with your children, so they may not come to you with questions or concerns. But it does get easier with practice \u2013 for both you and your children. Talk with all of your children, regardless of gender or age. For example:<\/span><\/p>