What Is Natural and Healthy Sexual Behavior for Children?

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Children are curious, exploratory, and mimic adults. While some adults want to believe that children are not sexual—that is, curious about their bodies, genitals, physical pleasure, other kids and their bodies, adults and their bodies—the research data indicate that children are sexual (although not with an intercourse focus). Boys (and girls) are progressively learning about their bodies, how they work, and anticipating becoming sexual adults. Parents may remember their childhood sexual explorations and experiences but, because of sexual shame, avoid appreciating what their own children may be doing. Parents are frequently confused about what is healthy childhood behavior. Parents want their kids to grow up well but the societal silence, superficiality, and social shame make it difficult to know what is sexually healthy.