Dear Andrea,
My husband and I are trying to decide on a common term for our two-year-old son’s penis since he is going to be potty training soon. I am of the opinion that we should use the correct term, and I have no problem doing this. But he feels that it would be awkward if our son suddenly started saying penis in mixed conversation. (I assume he is talking about family functions, at the grocery store, etc.) He feels that would be inappropriate. However, the alternatives he suggests are entirely unacceptable to me, far more embarrassing, and frankly, juvenile. My question is, do we NEED to have a “common” term that we use, and if so, what would you suggest? I also really would like to know what I can do about the fact that my husband seems to be uncomfortable saying the word “penis”. Dear God!
Sincerely,
Penis Puzzlement
Dearest Puzzled,
I am in total agreement with the use of silly nicknames for a body party. We don’t have nicknames for our hands or feet? How is a penis any different? It is a part of the body that serves a function and nothing to be ashamed of…Unless your husband comes from a family that has strange looking penises? Maybe that’s why he is so uncomfortable. Just let him know that saying the word penis doesn’t mean we have to see said penis in question. Maybe you could give him a reward every time he says the word until he gets comfortable. The reward you use is up to you. But honestly your son will come up with his own word, my son calls his a meemis. His favorite thing is to now ask people what they have, at first you might feel silly. But come on, how funny is that? Please have him write me a note if he has further issues and I will offer some penis therapy. Not that kind you dirty thing.