Talking About Sexual Curiosity To Preschoolers

Talking About Sexual Curiosity To Preschoolers

• It's common, normal behaviour for preschool children to be curious about sex. They are interested in their genitals and the differences between boys and girls.
• They know they are either a boy or a girl but are often puzzled when another child has 'their' name, especially if it's someone of the opposite sex!
• Until children are about four years old they often believe that boys can become girls or girls can become boys depending on what they play with or what clothes they wear. It isn't until about five or six that they more fully understand.
• Children like to explore their own bodies and are interested in the bodies of the opposite sex. They love playing doctor and patient or peeping games so they can explore the differences.
• Some children even touch each other and gain pleasure. This worries many parents and it may mean the child's natural curiosity is not being answered clearly.
• If you find your children playing sexually, explain without blame that:
  • these parts of the body are private
  • it's natural to be curious about each other's bodies, but not acceptable to look or touch each other
  • you will happily answer any questions
  • you will both look at books that show the body and give more information
  • you will help them understand about each other
  • help them find other things to do
• Make sure your children don't feel ashamed about their sexual curiosity and that they have a positive attitude about their bodies.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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