Psychosexual development is part of children’s overall development. Some sexual behaviours are therefore healthy and normal. This section will help you better understand young children’s psychosexual development and to distinguish between normal behaviour and sexual behaviour problems.
Healthy sexual behaviours in young children are motivated by:
Like other spheres of development, psychosexual development evolves quickly and at a different pace for each child. To help you better understand healthy behaviours in young children, here is a look of the phases of their psychosexual development.
… that children may show frequent sexual behaviours, in part because this is an element of the psychosexual development of children aged from birth to 5, and in part because they still have difficulty understanding interpersonal boundaries and the difference between the private and public spheres (the concept of privacy).
Some sexual behaviours in young children should be cause for concern.
The sexual behaviours or ideas are inappropriate for the developmental stage.
The sexual behaviours are potentially harmful or cause suffering for the child or for others.
The sexual behaviours persist despite interventions regarding boundaries and privacy.
What is a sexual behaviour problem?
Sexual behaviour problems can be understood as “behaviours involving sexual body parts, initiated by children aged 12 and under, that are developmentally inappropriate from a developmental perspective or that are potentially harmful to the child or others.” (Source: Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers [ATSA], 2006.)
Eight criteria should be considered. They indicate that you’re facing a worrisome situation that requires more attention. The presence of a single criteria may be significant.
If you have concerns or questions, call the parent line, and talk about it with the professionals that know your child at the daycare centre or preschool.
Psychosexual development is part of the overall development of young children. Learn the difference between normal behaviour and sexual behaviour problems.
Sex education is part of young children’s everyday world. Learn about simple acts that can help prevent sexual violence.
When you talk about privacy, you can recognize various kinds of interpersonal relationships, identify personal space (boundaries), and learn how to ask for those boundaries to be respected.
Sexual violence, even without physical contact, leads to devastating consequences for children and teens.
