How to Talk Body Safety with Toddlers

Featuring insights from Dr. Preeti Jajodia, Child Development & Parenting Consultant

When it comes to parenting, one of the most uncomfortable yet crucial topics is body safety, especially when your child is still a toddler.

Should you talk about private parts at this age? What if your child is too young to understand? Will you scare them or make them more curious?

These are questions almost every parent struggles with. That’s exactly why we invited Dr. Preeti Jajodia, Child Development and Parenting Consultant with over 9 years of experience to break it down for us in a recent conversation on MentX's Instagram Live.

The takeaway? It’s not about a one-time “talk.” It’s about building a language of trust, early, gently, and naturally.

Why Body Safety Can’t Wait

Many parents delay body safety conversations out of fear that children won’t understand. But Dr. Preeti explains that toddlers already start developing body awareness around the time they learn to walk or express discomfort like when they scratch, hide, or notice their own body in a mirror.

This is the perfect window to begin.

Not with fear. Not with punishment. But with clear words, consistent messages, and open reactions.

Use the Right Words—Not Cute Nicknames

Using real names like penis and vagina isn’t vulgar. It’s safe.

Nicknames like “peepee” or “cookie” may sound harmless, but they create confusion especially if a child needs to report something wrong. “If we want them to tell us when something feels uncomfortable,” says Dr. Preeti, “they need the language for it.”

So, whether it’s during diaper changes, bath time, or while applying cream, use those natural moments to build healthy vocabulary. It’s less about making it a lesson and more about normalising the conversation.

Privacy ≠ Shame

One powerful distinction Dr. Preeti drew was between teaching privacy and imposing shame. If your toddler undresses in front of others, it’s tempting to say, “Puppy shame!” or “That’s bad!” But what you’re really teaching them is that their body is something to be ashamed of. Instead, she suggests a simple response like: “Let’s wear our clothes. Our private parts are not for showing in public.”

The goal is to make them feel safe in their body, while also understanding social boundaries.

Don’t Say “Stranger Danger”

It’s an old rule that doesn’t work anymore.

Instead of teaching kids to fear strangers, Dr. Preeti recommends focusing on safe behavior vs. unsafe behavior. A child should learn to identify red flags like an adult asking them to keep a secret, touch their body, or isolate them from others.

“Anyone can be unsafe not just strangers. Sometimes, it’s people they already know,” she says.

Rather than telling children who to be afraid of, teach them what to watch out for.

Build Autonomy in Everyday Moments

What if your child refuses to greet a guest?

Most parents react with embarrassment or force. But this is a golden moment to reinforce consent and emotional safety.

Instead of “Say hi now!” try asking, “Would you like to say hello?”

It’s a small shift, but it communicates something big: “You’re allowed to decide what feels comfortable for you.”

How to Know If Something’s Wrong

One of the biggest challenges for parents is figuring out whether a child’s behavior is just natural introversion or a sign that something’s off.

According to Dr. Preeti, the answer lies in your connection with your child.

If a child has been emotionally distant, overly compliant, aggressive, or fearful especially around specific people, it’s worth paying attention. But this requires a foundation of trust, built slowly and without judgement.

Teach Them This One Line

Every child, no matter how young, deserves to learn this sentence:

“My body is my decision.”

Repeat it. Make it part of your home language. It empowers your child with the message that they matter and that they always have the right to say no.

Final Thoughts

Body safety isn’t about scaring children or dumping information on them. It’s about helping them grow up with clarity, confidence, and safety.

As Dr. Preeti puts it: “Start early. Speak simply. Repeat often. And most importantly—listen with your full attention.”

At MentX, we believe that these conversations shouldn’t be reserved for emergencies—they should be part of how we raise the next generation. Lovingly. Mindfully. Boldly.

Want more expert conversations like this? Follow us on Instagram@mentx_sexed and stay tuned for upcoming events and lives.

Written by Sandra K Anil

Life Redesign Coach | Educator | Founder (MentX)