Sexual and Sexualized Behavior in Children
Curiosity about and feelings in the genitalia are a normal and expected part of child development. Children experience feelings in their genitals from the earliest moments of life. Children act on these feelings in various ways and parents/caregivers may report various concerns. You can help parents understand what is normal versus problematic behavior. Psychosexual development is an ideal topic for anticipatory guidance in pediatric practice; you can help a parent to prepare their child for what’s coming next in their bodies and feelings.
Consider these resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Bright Futures. Promoting Healthy Development of Sexuality and Gender Identity. July 2022. https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/BF_HealthySexualityGenderIdentity_Tipsheet.pdf
- Breuner CC et al. Sexuality Education for Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. August 2016. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/2/e20161348/52508/Sexuality-Education-for-Children-and-Adolescents
Key Concepts
