Sexual development in early childhood:
Many children discover their genitals, and touching the genitals is often one of the first sexual behaviors parents notice.
The important thing is to think about behavior from the children's point of view.. With children's growth, their understanding of what is sexual increases, and we must remember not to use the word abnormality or perversion or to place an unnecessary sexual meaning on the behaviors that we observe in children.
Where the infant who touches his genitals learns that when he moves and touches his body parts, he feels pleasant sensations; This is (normative, exploratory) sexual behavior.
You may see standard sexual behavior referred to as "sex play", due to the quirky and innocent nature of the child.
Examples of normative sexual development and behavior for children:
The following are examples of normative sexual development and behavior of children at different developmental stages:
From birth to 6 years:
- Erections can begin in baby boys after birth.
- Newborn females may have a menstrual-like vaginal discharge in the days following childbirth.
- The child explores and touches the private genitals in public and private places.
- May enjoy being naked in public or in private, (shyness).
- He talks about the parts of the body and its functions (pigeon talk).
- Tries to explore the private parts of familiar people (father and mother).
- Blocks himself close to others, has a lack of awareness of personal space.
- Engages in imaginative play involving touch (doctor, childcare, husband or wife).
- He is curious when family members undress, take a shower, or use the toilet.
- Touching the breasts of adults (especially the mother).
From 5 to 8 years:
- Sometimes he explores and touches his private parts when he's alone.
- Develop awareness of others' physical privacy.
- Discuss private intimate organs and bodily functions with children of a similar age.
- acts comically or touches the private parts of others; He may ask others to do the same (Show me yours, and I'll show you mine).
- Familiar kisses / hugs for adults and children.
- Standing too close to others, lack of awareness of personal space.
- Participates in imaginative play that includes touch (doctor, child care, partner).
- Curious about birth and life cycles and where babies come from.
- Curious about bodies and nudity.
- Mimics flirtatious or romantic behavior.
- Uses vulgar language, makes inappropriate jokes, or makes sexually explicit gestures.
From 6 to 12 years:
- Secretly masturbate.
- He wants and demands privacy.
- Females may start menstruating (average puberty is 12 years).
- The child may begin to develop secondary sexual characteristics (pubic hair, enlarged breasts, facial hair, etc.).
- The child shows increasing knowledge of physical changes, reproduction, and sex.
- Plays games that may be of a sexual nature.
- Uses humor to reveal private parts, and may ask others to do the same.
- Standing too close to others, lack of awareness of personal space.
- Uses vulgar language, makes inappropriate jokes, or makes sexually explicit gestures.
- He has expertise in, and interest in, sexual language and media.
- Begins to develop sexual attraction to peers.
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Sexual Health