Post Date September, 03 2023
Many animated films in Japan have scenes where children and their families take showers together. For example, the familiar Cherry Maruki and the movie "Dragon Cat" directed by Jun Miyazaki. Parent-child bathing is a unique parenting custom in Japan. Children and parents can not only come into contact with their closest skin during bathing, but also complete many parent-child activities in the bathroom, such as games, counting, literacy, and singing.
Father and Son Shower
In Japan, it is usually not the mother but the father who bathes their children, because the mother is prepared when bathing the child, and the father who comes home late after work takes advantage of the precious opportunity to have intimate contact with the child before bedtime. Bathing with parents when children are young is a very happy time for fathers and sons, but when children are interested in the physical health of opposite sex parents and develop initial curiosity about sex, Japanese parents still choose to bathe with their parents. Because this happens to be the first opportunity for them to educate their children.
Children generally develop their initial understanding of sex after the age of three. For example, some kindergarten children will eagerly observe the differences between boys and girls' genitals while using the restroom, and kindergarten teachers will not be particularly concerned. Even older, they are also interested in their parents' bodies. When the father goes to the bathroom, the idea of using JiJi to urinate is common among Japanese fathers who do not stop their children. When a boy is interested in his mother's body, the mother will also generously accept it. These are normal phenomena that accompany a child's psychological development, and parents should not be surprised.
How to provide sex education while taking a shower?
Bathing is also the most convenient opportunity for sex education, as parents can educate their children in a language they can understand based on their age and acceptance. Starting from the age of 2, after taking a shower, children can observe their body in the mirror, guide them to understand the names and functions of various body parts, including sexual organs, and gradually instill the idea that the area covered by vests and underwear is a private area. This area should be well protected and should not be touched when hands are dirty. Otherwise, if someone who is prone to illness feels uncomfortable touching their body, they can say no and tell their parents.
Generally, starting from the age of three or four, children will actively ask their parents questions about relevance. For example, how did I get here? Why do boys stand and pee while girls squat? Why don't women have JJ? Wait a minute. At this time, parents can use picture book stories to explain the mysteries of life and basic knowledge of sex to their children. At the same time, they should further emphasize that except for the private parts where parents help you take a shower, go to the bathroom, and check your body at the hospital, others are not allowed to touch or touch their private parts. Adults may not always be right, they should all listen. When encountering uncomfortable touches, they should quickly leave, run to crowded places, or seek help from teachers and parents.
