Educators urge parents to stop using euphemisms for vagina and penis in front of children

Don't be scared of the words vagina and penis, Australia's educators are warning parents. Teaching children euphemisms for private parts like twinkle or peepee is setting them up for later problems, insists Professor Rosemary Coates from Curtin University. [...]

Professor Coates, who is a sexologist, said using euphemisms implies that body parts and sexual matters are secretive and possibly unpleasant. The more parents who use the correct anatomical names the more it will become the norm. “If a whole generation is taught well and have a positive attitude toward responsible sexuality, embarrassment and discomfort will gradually disappear and we will have a healthier society,” she said. [...]

She said she believes children should be taught words like penis and vulva at the same time the child is learning the words like nose, ears or eyes.

source: Article 'Educators urge parents to stop using euphemisms for vagina and penis in front of children' by Jackie Sinnerton; www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/educators-urge-parents-to-stop-using-euphemisms-for-vagina-and-penis-in-front-of-children/story-fnn8dlfs-1227131842298?nk=0fd0f3b502e4dc0a512567c11800946e; The Courier-Mail; 23 November 2014