Little girls asking about "boy parts"...

So, I wasn't quite sure which forum to post this under since my daughters are between toddler and school-age. Anyway, my girls are 3 and 4 1/2, and they are beginning to ask me questions about what they call "boy parts" (the penis), basically what is it, what is it used for, why don't I have one type of questions. They have taken particular interest in these parts, and the differences between male and female bodies, since we brought home our now three-month-old son. Especially when I nurse him right after his bath time, the girls get a good view of his "boy parts" and my chest, and they have been asking questions. I guess I'd just like advice about what is appropriate to tell them at these young ages! Thanks, girls!

Mathilde Rodin (and husband Rufus)
Children: Poppy Jezebel (4 1/2), Selena Jade (3), and Luther Johnston (3 mo)

aww

Just tell them its his willy and its what little boys have and girls and mummys have boobies and a "mini" just be honest to them as they grow older they will want to learn about these things and theres no point boycoting.

xx

I guess so...

Thank you, Sammie!

I guess that is what I have been doing, but I'm prone to telling them its real name rather than "willy". Anyway, that's covered and I'm okay with that question, but it's the others that really are presenting an issue for daddy and I. For instance, I can tell them that Luther and other boys use their "boy parts" for going to the bathroom, as I don't want to get into its other use at this point in time! I'm sure you and other moms will agree with that logic. But, when the girls ask why they don't have one, I can't seem to think of any better thing to say other than "because you have something else...". I almost feel like I'm making it up and lying to them when I say that, though, but the real reason seems to hit a little too close to the second use for the penis (sex).

What should I say? I have very intelligent and curious daughters who don't seem satisfied with my answers thus far, and I don't want them asking other kids and parents at school - embarrassing!

XX Mathilde

Its a difficult question

but I think you can only just carry on with what you have been doing thus far. Explain that boys and girls are made different and hope that the explanation will keep them happy for now!
I think I would say exactly as you have that "they just have something else"
I think curiosity at this age is quite normal, as they start to notice that we are not all the same! It shows that they are taking everything in and are paying attention to whats goin on around them.

Maybe you could talk about some other ways that children in general can be different ie, short or long hair green eyes or brown! then as they see that there are lots of differences between people in general they may take the focus of the gender differences?

Not sure if i have been of any use? lol

Nikki B x x x x x x x x x

Good idea!

Thanks, Nikki, that's actually a really good idea! I want them to understand differences in people, and that could be a good way to do that while diverting the attention from this current gender subject for at least a little while. I'm glad that you think this curiosity is normal, as obviously I haven't had to deal with it yet since I don't have children older than 4 1/2. Thanks!

Mathilde