Sexual Curiosity

Sexual Curiosity Taken from Growing Concerns &8212 A p arenting question-and-answer column with Dr. Martha Erickson Question Ive recently started doing peasant care in my theatre for several young children and Ive observed some inner curiosity that Im non quite sure what to make of. Can you provide some guidelines nearly what is normal for young children and any problem signs that I ought to be alert of? Answer Sexual curiosity is a natural phenomenon in children of all(prenominal) ages, but it does demand a careful response so that children increase a sound 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 look for their bodies with their hands, with no shame or energizeual meaning attached to the behaviour. In little boys, erections are a natural reflex, especially during diapering. Preschool years tender preschoolers are openly curiousasking, looking, touching. They figure out, Im a girl, youre a boy, and oppugn around the similarities and differences.As they begin to discover the shock value with adults, they may use sex words and bathroom humor, a good deal 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 versedity takes on refreshing meaning, elementary aged children become more secretive about geographic expedition (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 detectm to vacate talking about sexual things). Acting out sexual behavior that involves force or violence. These beha viors suggest the possibility 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 austere 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 out or keeping(p) 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 aside so that they can seek advice from their pediatrician or other professional. Editors pedigree Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson, director of the University of manganeses Children, Youth and Family Consortium, invites your questions on child rearing for possible comprehension 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.