At this time of year, many parents are at the beach with their children and are often faced with honest, yet awkward, questions related to the human body. Such questions can catch us off guard, not because they are wrong, but because we want to answer in a way that does not feed stereotypes, but at the same time sets clear boundaries for respect for ourselves and others.
One of the most common questions we can hear from a child is:
"Why does mom cover her breasts with a swimsuit, while dad and the boys don't?"
According to Elina Mavropoulou, kindergarten teacher and founder of the platform "The Kids Society", the best way to respond is with honesty and simple language, without entering into extensive discussions or personal beliefs that may confuse the child.
“This is not the time to analyze why women cover their breasts and men don’t, or whether or not they should,” says Mavropoulou. “The goal is to answer the child’s question as it is: without malice, simply, as if he were asking ‘what are we going to eat today?’”
How can we respond?
A clear and neutral answer might be:
"Some mothers and daughters cover their breasts because for them it is a private part. There are also women who do not cover it, and that is okay. Everyone decides for their own body."
This response conveys a clear message: the body is personal, there is no absolute right, and differences are accepted.
In this way, we teach children acceptance of change, respect for their own bodies and the bodies of others, and the right to individual choice.
If the child asks further questions, we can expand the conversation according to their age and level of understanding. But it is important to keep in mind a golden rule:
Don't give more information than the child asks for. Let him or her direct the pace and depth of the conversation.
This is also a good time to talk to children about private parts, privacy, and physical and emotional boundaries, which are essential for developing a healthy sense of self and relationships with others.
