Our aim is to give you the best information on the web. This website will
give you up to date, relevant useful information and guides on a huge range
of topics.
Category: Family - Parenting - Sexually Curious Kids
- It's OK!
|
|
|
|
SEXUALLY
CURIOUS KIDS
Don't
be afraid of your child's sexuality, it's a healthy part of
their life - it's OK!
Most
of us hold the belief that children's sexual development occurs at
the time of sexual maturity
at puberty But their sexual - maturation starts from birth
in fact, the initial hormaonal processes
of puberty are now believed to begin the ages of six to eight!
Parents
can help to shape healthier sexuality in their children if they can
understand and accept the normal sexual landmarks
from birth onwards.
Birth
to two
A
baby's biggest life lesson in the early years is about pleasure and
love. Infants are born with a well-developed capacity to receive pleasure
from their body. From birth, babies suck their thumb to soothe themselves.
The mouth is not the only part of the body that's linked with the
pleasure centres in the brain before birth. Research shows that the
genitals and the anus are also connected.
Touching and the holding of the genitals is common. Babies feel no
shame about their genitals or excretory processes.
-
ADVICE
When you are changing baby's nappy, don't make disapproving gestures
or remarks about the genitals, urine or faeces. Your baby may not
be able to understand your words but the tone of your voice and
facial expressions can send a positive or negative message. While
it is necessary to teach toddlers that poo is not for play, this
must be done without giving the message that poo, and the parts
of the body it comes from, are dirty.
Two
to five
Contrary
to popular opinion, the preschool years are a time of intense sexual
curiosity for boys and girls. This doesn't mean that children in
any way desire sexual contact. They simply want to learn about all
aspects of their lives. Toilet training stimulates an interest in
the genitals and, in this age group, self-stimulation is common.
Orgasm is possible from birth but most toddler touching is for pleasure,
not sexual relief. Little ones often comfort themselves by touching
their genitals when they are anxious or stressed.
Six
to 11
School
age children have learnt that sexual feelings and activities are
private. Primary school children channel this sexual energy into
school, sports, friendship and hobbies. Romance is not uncommon
in these years and children can 'fall in love' with a teacher, a
movie or rock star, or
a
classmate. Children will be curious about the opposite sex, and
secret looking and showing may still take place.
-
ADVICE
The major lesson parents need to teach is balance and which activities
are public and what is private, and how to control sexual impulses.
Try to display a positive attitude to sexuality, but too much parental
nudity, overt sexual displays between parents or making love in
front of a child, will go against the message that sexual activity
is
a special, private experience. Instead, display warmth, intimacy,
love and affection with all family members, particularly your spouse.
Source:
Dr Rosie, Woman's Dayrly marking
|
|
|
|
|
| |
