One of the most memorable mommy moments I’ve experienced occurred when my daughter, Allie, was three years old. We were having dinner with my in-laws at their home when Allie marched in, plopped her butt on the floor next to the dining table, hoisted her feet into the air spread-eagle, and announced, “Mommy! My Vagina Hurts!” By the way, she was also panty-free.

And by the way, she was at the foot of my father-in-law’s chair.

My father-in-law, though a man of great wit and humility, took one look down, looked right back up, turned a unique shade of reddish-purple, and began eating again. My mother-in-law, a woman who herself tries to turn her husband that shade quite often with her own surprising announcements, thought this was completely hilarious, and burst out laughing.

Thus, I face the repercussions of my decision to teach my girls the true names of their anatomy. From the time when they were infants, we’ve just called an elbow and elbow, so to speak. I DO want my girls to have the sense that it’s ok to talk about their bodies, especially with Mommy and Daddy.

Buuuuuut, maybe it was time for a chat about appropriate words in public.

I’m no prude, but I do think the word “vagina” is a bit too shocking for table-talk. And, truthfully, I don’t WANT the word “vagina” to become commonplace! I guess “privates” is the right “public” word?

So, Allie is nearly five and the other day we were at Gymboree for an event when Allie screams out, “Mommy! My vagina hurts!” (Give this kid ONE bath and her “parts” don’t feel right.) Another mom looked over at me and laughed, then said, “Well, she knows the right word!”

I’d love to hear from you on this topic! Any funny stories? Any “philosophy” on how to handle this matter?!

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