Early Childhood (0-9 years): Healthy Sexual Behavior
It is a common myth that children do not have sexual feelings or are not curious about sex and sexuality. In fact, all children are sexual beings.
Parents must understand and acknowledge that every child irrespective of their age will show some or the other forms of sexual behavior. It would be wrong to say that all kinds of sexual behavior by children is ‘abnormal’. We must understand age appropriate behaviors to label any behavior as normal or abnormal.
Understanding normal behavior can enable you to be aware of what is going on with your child and spot potential warning signs in case they arise.
Normal Sexual Behavior Between the Age of 0-4 years
- kissing and hugging
- showing curiosity about private body parts
- talking about private body parts and using words like poo, susu, bum, nunu etc
- playing “doctor-doctor”, “ghar-ghar” (house) type games with other children
- touching, rubbing or showing off their genitals or masturbating as a comforting habit.
Normal Sexual Behavior Between the Age of 5-9 years
- kissing and hugging
- showing curiosity about private body parts but respecting privacy
- talking about private body parts and sometimes showing them off
- trying to shock by using words like poo, susu, bum, nunu etc
- using swear and sex words they’ve heard other people say
- playing “doctor-doctor”, “ghar-ghar” (house) type games with other children
- touching, rubbing or showing others their private part
(Source:- NSPCC)
