Parenting
The Delight of Bodily Exploration
by Lisa Thompson
Updated: March 23, 2021
Originally Published: March 2, 2011
The first moment your little one realizes they have hands…
“Wow, I have hands! Look at these! I could watch them for ages. Did you know they fit in my mouth?!”
Adorable, right?
Then comes the time when children become aware of their genitals.
“Hey, check out my penis! Look at it! It can grow too!”
Not quite as cute, but undeniably hilarious.
My kids have had a moment of awakening—an awakening that has nothing to do with the literary classic. Their eyes have opened to the existence of their private parts, the impending arrival of breasts, and the concept of hair… down there. It’s reminiscent of the famous scene from Kindergarten Cop, where a little boy explains to Arnold Schwarzenegger that boys have a penis and girls have a vagina. Indeed, check, check, and double-check!
It’s also clear that they are completely comfortable being naked—far too comfortable, if you ask me—regardless of the setting.
My son strolls around in just a shirt, reminiscent of Donald Sutherland in Animal House after a wild night, minus the undergrad. He seems to have misplaced his underwear, or perhaps it’s perched on his head, or maybe he’s rocking the backward thong look.
Penis jokes abound, and whether he feels like calling it a hot dog, he’s more than willing to drop his pants, showcase his undies, or give his butt a playful slap to impress his friends. His butt dance is a crowd favorite, especially at dinner or any large gathering where he can garner the most laughs.
From a young age, his penis has been his go-to bath toy, evolving into “penis tricks,” “it’s a sword,” or “got you, Mia.” How often can I say, “Stop playing with your penis! It’s not a toy”? He grins at me, as if to say, “Oh, come on! This is just the beginning.”
His Oedipal complex is in full swing as he eagerly searches down my shirt. We stopped breastfeeding ages ago, yet the reflex is shockingly persistent. While reading a book together on the couch, bam! Down the shirt it goes, followed by, “I love you so much, even more than Daddy. I’m going to marry you!”
Meanwhile, my daughter has come to the realization that girls have breasts, or as she calls them, “breasteses.” She incorporates them into every piece of art she creates, depicting family and friends alike. Every female in her drawings boasts a pair of breasts. I was quite flattered by my portrayal in her last creation, which was a delightful upgrade from my usual representation, typically limited to a training bra. Her artistic style usually consists of two spiral circles atop a neck, followed by a body and limbs. I only feel a twinge of jealousy when her drawings show her with larger breasts than mine.
Carly has her heart set on being Wonder Woman for Halloween next year, fretting that no one will recognize her without breasts. To be fair, Lynda Carter’s costume left little to the imagination—all the curves and contours were on full display. Boys everywhere developed a newfound appreciation for tiaras and secretly wished to be caught in the Lasso of Truth. I assured Carly not to worry; everyone would surely know who she is. She suggested stuffing socks in her shirt for good measure.
Just the other day at Target, we found ourselves in the feminine products aisle. She dashed ahead, grabbed a box, and announced to a nearby woman that she would use these when she gets older—maybe at eight. She declared that the green ones were the best. Sweet Jesus… they aren’t popsicles!
She also expressed a desire to shave, voiced concerns about “fur,” suggested that we should pluck her brother’s eyebrows, and wanted to know when and how hair growth occurs.
And don’t even get me started on “Naked Time.” It seems to be a constant in our household. It could be -15 degrees outside, and they’ll still throw a dance party, completely unclothed. My children have been using the term “Naked Time” since they could speak, blissfully unaware of its comedic origins, and they love to strip down in front of anyone—strangers, the mailman, at social gatherings.
It’s challenging not to chuckle at their innocent inquiries and antics surrounding anatomy. While it’s all part of normal development, teaching them about appropriate discourse can be a delicate balance. You don’t want to embarrass them for their questions, yet you also don’t want them to think it’s acceptable to announce to strangers that they’ll get their periods someday. Right now, my daughter only associates breasts with women, with much more complexity to come as we navigate these conversations.
They’re just trying to make sense of it all. It’s our job to guide them through societal norms while keeping a straight face. Stripping at a church luncheon? Not the best idea. These moments are life lessons for all involved, regardless of age.
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In summary, the journey of bodily discovery is both humorous and enlightening. Children’s innocence leads to hilarious situations and conversations that are crucial for their understanding of social norms. As parents, we must navigate these moments with care, ensuring they feel comfortable to explore while also learning appropriate behavior.