Early Childhood Sexual Development Early Childhood Sexual Development by Sally and Joanne Many of the questions posed to the Sexual Health Experts at Canadian Parents Online are related to issues around childhood growth and development and what is considered normal behaviour for specific ages of children. As with most growth and development issues, the range of normal is significant and should not be considered absolute. However, there are guidelines to help parents, teachers and child care workers identity what is OK and what might need further clarification.
Children exhibit sexual behaviour from a very early age.
They will explore their own bodies including their genitals and may derive great pleasure with this activity. Many parents have witnessed a very young baby reaching for their genitals when their diapers are removed or when in the bath. As children grow to the approximate age of 3 to 5 years, they begin to question where babies come from. They may use magical thinking to explain reproduction. This age also brings curiosity about other s bodies and differences between the sexes.