Sexual Curiosity

Sexual Curiosity Taken from Growing Concerns A p benting question-and-answer column with Dr. Martha Erickson Question Ive recently started doing fry care in my kin for several young children and Ive observed some inner curiosity that Im not quite sure what to make of. Can you provide some guidelines active what is normal for young children and any problem signs that I ought to be assu tearing of? Answer Sexual curiosity is a natural phenomenon in children of either ages, but it does demand a careful response so that children bewilder a rose-cheeked respect for themselves and others.In general, this is what you might expect for children from infancy through the early school years. Birth to 2 years Babies explore their bodies with their hands, with no shame or rouseual meaning attached to the way. In little boys, erections are a natural reflex, especially during diapering. Preschool years late preschoolers are openly curiousasking, looking, touching. They figure out, Im a girl, youre a boy, and wonderment some the similarities and differences.As they begin to discover the shock value with adults, they whitethorn use sex words and bathroom humor, ofttimes with little or no understanding of the meaning. It is not unusual for preschoolers to use masturbation for self-comfort when they are alone. Elementary school years As knowledgeableity takes on new(a) meaning, elementary aged children become more secretive about exploration (playing doctor with a friend, for example) and gradually become more modest about their bodies. They are curious about romantic and intimate fantasies, but often are vague or confused about details.Although it is normal and healthy to express an interest in sexual things, there are red flags that caregivers should be aware of Preoccupation with sexual things (e. g. , the child cant go throughm to mark talking about sexual things). Acting out sexual behavior that involves force or violence. These behaviors suggest the possi bility that the child either has been sexually abused or has witnessed explicit sexual behavior or sexual violence at home or elsewhere. Even seeing media images of sex can be very disturbing to children.And when children act out what they see in films or TV, it can set up a breakneck domino effect on other children. As with all aspects of child rearing, it is important that you work in partnership with the parents of children in your care. With regard to sexual curiosity, you and the parents would do well to agree on clear limits about the sexual language and behavior that are acceptable, monitor and regulate the childrens exposure to wrong television programs and give clear messages about respectful, loving sexuality.And if you suspect that a child in your care has a problem, talk with the parents right outside so that they can seek advice from their pediatrician or other professional. Editors banknote Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson, director of the University of atomic number 25 s Children, Youth and Family Consortium, invites your questions on child rearing for possible inclusion body in this column. You may fax them to (612) 624-6369 or send them to Growing Concerns, University of Minnesota News Service, 6 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St. S. E. , Minneapolis, MN 55455.