Manifestations of sexual behavior at an early age
Mother often can notice that in a naked sate, for example during bathing the baby or changing his/her pampers, s/he touches him/herself. In such a period of development the infant doesn’t have a sense of shame, and it is the parents’ attitude that makes this or that manifestation of behavior acceptable. The parents shouldn’t
in no case shame and get angry with the infant if the latter is interested in his/her body. This kind of interest is quite natural/normal and healthy. The parents’ attitude in this case must be so as if they don’t notice anything. But if the self-observation has a fixed essence it is necessary to turn away the baby’s attention to the thing which interests him/her. The parent must never draw any attention to the self-observation.
The infant is often engaged in self-satisfaction. Such manifestation must worry the parents only in case the self-satisfaction becomes the only and basic occupation throughout the day.
Is it normal to nickname the intimate parts of the body?
If the child is 3 years old, the parents can use the correct anatomical names of the parts of the body. Maybe they sound a little medical, but there is no need/reason not to use them, particularly if the child can easily utter them. Such words as penis, vagina and etc. must be said in an unembarrassed, quiet voice. Only in that case the child will learn to use them without any embarrassment and additional emotionality.
How to answer the (child’s) question where children come from?
It depends on age. You can answer that children grow from a small egg in a Mother’s belly by showing the area of Your stomach, and then they go out from/of the belly, from a special place, which is called vagina. There is no need to explain the details of a sexual intercourse because the child of that age cannot comprehend that concept. Afterwards You can say that when a woman and a man love each other they like to be physically close to each other. You can say that the male sperm joins the female egg after which the baby begins growing. Children, who are smaller than 6, are basically satisfied with this answer. In any case, answer in a clear and confident voice, at that rate the baby will be satisfied with Your information.
What to do when you notice that children, while playing the game ‘doctor-doctor’, show each other their sexual organs?
Children of 3-6 years old often play this game. A lot of parents give an exaggerated response when they witness that game or hear about it. The strict punishment in this case doesn’t lead to any good thing. There is no need to worry about that children can be involved in an irregular, irresponsible sexual behavior due to this game. Very often parent’s presence is just enough that children stop playing that game.
You can turn away Your child’s attention with the help of another game without expressing any sharp and rude disagreement. Later, find time to have a talk with Your child. Explain that You understand his/her interest towards his/her friends’ body, but it is accepted that people must hide their body during the communication with the others. By behaving in such a way You put limits without making the child feel a sense of guilt.
It is the very age when You can talk to the child about touching the body in this or that way. Tell him/her that the body is his/her ‘property’, and no one has a right to touch it so as that it doesn’t sound strange and unpleasant for him/her, then s/he must tell the person at once to stop touching him/her and tell You everything. Explain that You want to know about any incident that embarrasses and worries him/her.
When must parents speak to their children about the intimate theme?
The talk about the sexual sphere mustn’t be limited with once, it must have an expansive and continuous essence. Every time the child comprehends such deep knowledge that corresponds to the level of his/her age and development. The response must be given to each question in order to satisfy her/his natural interest completely. If s/he isn’t interested in a sexual subject at all You must undertake some steps in order that this them isn’t worth neglecting. Approximately in 5 You can give the child some introductory information with the help of corresponding books. If it is difficult for You to begin the conversation, our website will help You.
How to explain to the child that s/he has a right of secrecy about the sexual/intimate life?
Though each family has its own moral values and norms, all children must be taught that they have a right to know about the sexual life. Parents must explain what the right of property is, and mention its limits. It must be done by the way, so as they speak about other rules of the family in order that the right of property won’t be associated with secrecy and a sense of guilt. Children usually accept the limits You taught them.
