Is This Too Imature for Teenagers?

In real life as an adult I don't personally go around saying "breasts and vaginas and penises" much. I will use those terms depending on the situation. And my kids all use those terms. But we also use the funny terms because life is too short not to talk about boobs, butts, nuts, kiwis "She kicked me in the kiwis" is one of my son's favorite. For some reason they are still all saying "vagina" instead of a nickname for it, but they're still young, 9, 8, and 6...

when i was a kid and when i HAD kids, everyone used euphemisms. ours were 'behind' and 'piddler'. i still think that's okay. not 'correct' but not super cutesy either.
we started using the correct words when we did anatomy classes. it seemed a natural progression.
a lot of parents use the scientifically correct words right out of the gate, and i think that's fine too. the only thing i think that's NOT healthy is to use euphemisms out of embarrassment or a sense that there's something *wrong* with the body parts and/or the words for them. it's that disconnect that causes kids grief, not the use of euphemisms per se.
khairete
S.

ETA: Sorry, I may have misunderstood your question. I see you've changed it, and also removed the references to coochies, boobies etc. You didn't mention in what context. K-Bell, yes we do have those talks :)

I have a house full of teenagers at the moment because my older ones have friends over.

I can't relate I'm afraid. I don't talk to my teens about willies, boobies etc. It doesn't come up in conversation with my teens? I am sure my teens the anatomical words for their body parts.

Were you the mom asking about boxers vs. briefs and wedgies? Honestly, I just don't give much thought to this stuff.

We've always used the proper terms for body parts. I suppose there have been times when a slang type word is used but never made up words to avoid saying whatever we're trying to say.

To Margie, I'm floored. You don't even know the terms your teens would use because you never speak to them about sex or bodies? You are missing a huge opportunity to help them grow into healthy adults. Unless I'm misunderstanding I think that's really sad. It puts your children at risk in so many ways.

I think so.
We've always used proper terms, not baby talk so it's never been an issue.

If you never used proper terms at home, then they're following suit. If you have teens, they better know the right words by now, in part for their own sex ed. Next time it comes up, say, "You do know the right term for that, right?" IMO I find some slang words more offensive than the medical terms, so if they are using words that are not polite vs just "bottom" then that's another conversation you should be having. We say "bottom" but DD has also heard and uses correct terms since she was a toddler. I had read and the pediatrician reinforced that it was better.

Hi K.,

I'm in the anti baby talk camp. With all due respect to the other camp, we've always used the anatomical terms for all his body parts. Well...if I'm going to completely own it...the word tushy must have occasionally come out of my mouth. I would explain your thoughts to them, give them the alternate terminology and let it become their decision. S.

we use "p****** p****" , and "down there" or "boobs" mostly - really there is no reason for anything more decript