I was reading my daily intake of the news and came across an article that piqued my interest. Toys R Us features an anatomically correct male doll in their inventory, and some parents are up in arms about it. I had to scratch my head and wonder.
Are humans not anatomically correct? We each are born with genitals and sexual organs, unless genetic defects say otherwise – right? Why then, would a parent be upset that a doll that is marketed as a realistic baby has genitalia? Is this some sort of modesty issue? The doll still comes with a diaper and baby clothes, it’s not donning a pair of Speedos or a bikini.
These are the issues that make sex education a tricky job. Parents often spend too much time worrying about over sexualizing their children, and neglect to remember that a part of growing up is self-actualization. Eventually that baby you birthed grows into a child, then teen, then adult. Unless he/she joins a seminary, he or she will eventually have sex. Even before that, the child has to make bowel movements and urinate – all of which comes out of the genitals.
Right?
As a parent myself, I understand the fear of exposing children to sex too early, but there are ways to educate them as they grow. Don’t be afraid to talk about the penis and vagina. We all need them to function in life. I have compiled a short list of things parents can do to conquer this fear and grow with their children.
5 Ways to Cope with Anatomically Correct Dolls:
1. Explain circumcision to male children
2. Describe the parts of the body
3. Set the standard for “No Touch Zones”
4. Talk about the birds and the bees
5. Show the difference between boys and girls
My mother talked about vaginas and penises to me. As we’d shower together, she told me what my vagina did. Not ever in my life did I think my vagina was a nondescript, androgynous lump as I had seen on some dolls. My Baby Alive doll had real genitals; I learned how to clean a baby and make sure she didn’t have poop in her special place. All children deserve to be equipped for the future, and it starts with the babies in more ways than one.
See the Doll – is it really that bad?
Do you think dolls should be anatomically correct? Weigh in!
Resources:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tknnPjyFL._SY300_.jpg
http://www.today.com/parents/doll-penis-shocks-some-parents-1D80005572
http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-16811795dt.jpg