Should children be exposed to sexually frank words like "scrotum?"

**Terminator** · 02-19-07, 02:40 AM

A librarian recently wrote a children's book, entitled "The Higher Power of Lucky," which includes on the very first page the word "scrotum." Of course, the usual suspects are up in arms over this, raising hell about whether or not their child should be exposed to the word scrotum. I ask: what's the big deal?

I admit that I would not be particularly happy to have to explain to a young child what a scrotum is, but older children are beginning to be curious about their bodies anyway. The book is targeted at nine-to-twelve year old kids. It seems to me that the best way to address an innocent question..."Mommy, what is a scrotum?"...is not to lie about it or ignore it, but to answer honestly and simply. Why is there such a commotion about body parts in this country?

Some people make the argument that exposing children to words such as scrotum will corrupt their minds and turn them into tiny little turbo-sexual horror children. I disagree. Exposure to words like scrotum builds vocabulary and helps children talk frankly about their bodies, without picking up stupid slang terms. Exposure to popular culture is what turns children into turbo-sexual horror children. I doubt that a twelve-year-old girl will see the word "scrotum" and decide to wear a black thing halfway up her back from her low-rider jeans (thoughtfully provided by Mommy and Daddy). I do not doubt, however, that a twelve-year-old girl would be a lot more likely to do that if exposed to modern celebrities.

In summary: who cares about the word scrotum? If we want to protect the children, we should probably start with the media, not with the anatomy.

**Just KC** · 02-19-07, 02:59 AM

My children are ALL taught the proper words for their body parts. It is what it is, and I rather my children be comfortable with their bodies that in shame of it. Penis, scrotum, vagina...who cares!
I think being open and honest with them about their bodies creates a trust and comfort level, and God forbid someone touched them inappropriately, they will more likely tell someone instead of feeling so ashamed and keeping it a secret. JMO .

**Just KC** · 02-19-07, 03:01 AM

Also wanted to add.....9 to 12 year olds already KNOW those body part names........sheeesh! You would think the controversy would be geared more towards toddlers.

**BEB** · 02-19-07, 03:09 AM

I see no problem with using the language correctly.

**Autumn2009** · 02-19-07, 03:22 AM

It is what it is. Why not use the correct terminology?

**Rhino** · 02-19-07, 04:18 AM

This in the same country where you can't show breasts on TV, but showing a coroner carving up a corpse is perfectly okay.

Sex is not evil, and I'm sick of the Moral Majority telling me it is.

**dapples** · 02-19-07, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by Rhino

This in the same country where you can't show breasts on TV, but showing a coroner carving up a corpse is perfectly okay.

Sex is not evil, and I'm sick of the Moral Majority telling me it is.

Be afraid, be very afraid of the Moral Majority...

BY the time the kids can read those words, I am positive that they already know the slang for them.

**Buttercup** · 02-19-07, 08:21 AM

Absolutely - they should be taught the proper terminology.

**Hannibal** · 02-19-07, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Autumn2009

It is what it is. Why not use the correct terminology?

I agree. Kind of along the same lines, I don't believe in "baby talk." I believe that kids are smarter than adults give them credit to be. If a child is brought up from the start learning the proper way to talk, the child is more likely to have a stronger vocabulary, and maybe, just maybe he/she might go further in this world. My nephew is only 3, but you wouldn't know it by talking to him. He never got "baby-talk" and I think that made the biggest difference. He still plays and acts like a 3 year-old, only with a stronger vocabulary.

I hate it when I hear parents ask their kid if they want "wa-wa". If the kid calls it “wa-wa,” fine, but its water. The kid will catch on and start saying water eventually if the proper terminology is used consistently.

If I had a son, I'd rather my kid learn the proper terms for his anatomy rather than talking like me, ie. "My mutha phuckin sack itches."

**Jackalope** · 02-19-07, 02:15 PM

What's a scrotum?

Actually, I don't think that kids need to be reading the word scrotum for the first time in a children's book. The title of the book doesn't suggest that it has anything to do with sex education, so I do wonder why it needs to be in there.

Let the parents decide when and how to teach their kids about sex.

**TXCharlie** · 02-19-07, 02:24 PM

I voted yes, but it really depends entirely on who's saying those words and why.

**lewisipso** · 02-19-07, 02:25 PM

Teaching children properly and properly teaching children is what parents are supposed to do. I was taught around 4-5 and so were my children. Waiting until they are 9-12 is to late. They have already been taught by their "peers".

**Pedro56** · 02-19-07, 02:27 PM

I wish I would have taught my 5 year old the "proper terminology". All he does is run around and call people ball sack or says "OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHh my balls" and so on and so on.Granted he is funny as hell.

**Michelle** · 02-19-07, 02:34 PM

Ball Sack...isn't that an energy drink?

**Pedro56** · 02-19-07, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Michelle

Ball Sack...isn't that an energy drink?

It could be if you want it to be.

**Michelle** · 02-19-07, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Pedro56

It could be if you want it to be.

HA! Guess you haven't tried Ballz either? Really good energy drink. I use to go to the quicky mart and buy Ballz all the time. Comes in a blue bottle. Yep, Blue Ballz in a 4 pack

---
And I am for teaching children the correct terminology for body parts. I'm also for teaching them to use other words to use such as private area.

I'm not for teaching them to call it the no no spot.

**Emily** · 02-19-07, 03:24 PM

It would make my job easier if they didn't know.

For real, I have stories.

But I guess it's the proper thing to do.

**Growler** · 02-19-07, 03:45 PM

Yes please tell kids the proper terms.
I talk to children that have been sexually and physically abused. To hear a child say that my cookie hurt or he/she touched my pocketbook, makes it that much harder for me to get out what a child says without leading the child. JMO.

**Lo523** · 02-19-07, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by Growler

Yes please tell kids the proper terms.
I talk to children that have been sexually and physically abused. To hear a child say that my cookie hurt or he/she touched my pocketbook, makes it that much harder for me to get out what a child says without leading the child. JMO.

+1

**Ducky** · 02-19-07, 03:59 PM

I taught my kid the correct words when she asked how boys and girls are different. I think she was 4 at the time, and till then we called it her 'hoohoo' (thanks to a "Home Improvement" episode.

) but she knows the right terms for things. As 'hoohoo' was the only baby-talk word we used with her she has a great vocabulary, not to mention sentence structure and diction. At 12 it's more like talking to a short 18 year old.

Edited to add: I asked the kiddo herself about this and her reply was "Well, kids have them, so they may as well know what they're supposed to be called."