Whatever you say next, keep these things in mind…

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• Use the correct ​names for body parts – like vulva, penis, testicles and breasts. Be factual and matter of fact! If your child feels that body parts shouldn’t be mentioned, they’ll find it hard to be open with you about their body. If they know the correct terminology, they’re empowered – it’s a form of safeguarding
   

• Use your “everyday voice”, says Cath Hakanson of Sex Ed Rescue in The Sex Education Answer Book, adding: “Embarrassment comes with the territory! The more you talk, the easier it gets”
   

• Follow the PANTS rule: Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, Speak up –someone can help. It’s all about consent 
   

• In some cultures there is a relaxed attitude to bodies. Does that give you courage to feel less inclined to cover up in front of your child? Think of Holland, where, as author Bonnie J Rough points out, there’s an open approach to bodies, sex and relationships at home and at school. Look at Denmark, where Outspoken co-founder Yoan Reed is from. She says: “I’m not ashamed of my body. In British changing rooms people dress in private. In Denmark there was just one room, gender divided, and you’d see all different bodies – young, old, fat, thin – and you’d see the genitals and could name them; it was just a natural part of life. We weren’t shy about our bodies.” See if you can model this kind of openness…