Children's curiosity about their bodies is a completely natural thing, but for many parents it becomes confusing and even worrying. Searches such as children's curiosity about body parts, children's sexual curiosity or child sex education show that parents are looking for a proper understanding of these behaviors and the correct response. On the other hand, expressions such as child-to-child sex or children's sex are more the result of fear, ignorance and the lack of valid educational content in the Persian environment, not the scientific reality of children's behavior.
According to the reliable sources of developmental psychology and the recommendations of scientific organizations, behaviors such as touching the body, asking questions about physical differences or paying attention to organs at a young age are not signs of sex with a child or sexual behavior; Rather, it is a part of the natural process of growth and recognition of the body. Even according to research, children under two years of age do not have sexual curiosity in the real sense, and what is seen is only sensory and exploratory reactions.
In this article, with a simple and understandable language, we will discuss the scientific investigation of children's curiosity, explain the difference between normal behavior and alarming behavior, and determine what is the appropriate reaction to children's curiosity. The purpose of this content is to help parents make informed decisions, reduce and treatment Stress and anxiety and the correct implementation of the principles of child sexual education are based on official and scientific sources, not creating fear or misunderstanding.
What is curiosity and why is it important in child development?
Curiosity in children is a natural and inherent characteristic that exists since birth and plays an important role in the cognitive, social and learning development of a child. Through curiosity, the child gets to know the surrounding environment, asks questions and understands the differences. This inner desire is one of the main foundations of healthy learning and growth. Developmental psychology studies show that children's curiosity strengthens problem-solving skills, increases language learning, develops creativity, and builds self-confidence and independence. One of the natural manifestations of this process is children's curiosity about body parts, which is part of the child's initial knowledge of his and others' bodies.
How is sexual curiosity in children?
Sexual curiosity in children is a natural part of the development process and should not be confused with adult sexual behavior. According to experts, including Dr. Bayat, sexual curiosity is a human fact in the process of physiological development, and how parents deal with it is of great importance. Scientific findings show that sexual curiosity usually starts at about three years of age and is more common at five to six years of age. During this period, children's curiosity about body parts, physical differences between boys and girls, and questions about pregnancy or relationships between adults are normal and are part of the child's learning about their body and identity.
Do children under two years of age have sexual curiosity?
Children under two years of age do not have sexual curiosity in the real sense. Behaviors such as touching the body or paying attention to the organs at this age are due to sensory exploration and the development of the nervous system, not sexual desire or awareness. At this stage, the child still does not have a conceptual understanding of gender and relationships, and what is observed is simply part of the natural process of body recognition. Parents' awareness of this issue prevents unnecessary worry and incorrect reactions.
The role of child sex education in guiding curiosity
Sex education means age-appropriate education about the body and privacy, not suppression of curiosity. Simple and honest answers to the child's questions and using the right information help the child to know his body and understand the boundaries of the body. A conscious attitude of parents will lead the child's sexual curiosity in a healthy way and prevent the formation of fear, shame or false information. This approach plays an important role in the child's mental health and prevention of serious injuries.
Sexual curiosity in age-appropriate children
Sexual behaviors that children perform at different ages are different and change with each age. In the following, we want to get to know the common sexual behaviors that children experience from childhood to adulthood.
Sexual behaviors of toddlers up to 5 years old
- touching the genitals in public or private
- Looking or touching the genitals of peers or siblings
- Asking questions about body parts, pregnancy and childbirth
- Showing genitals to peers
- Standing or sitting too close to someone
Sexual behaviors of children aged 5 to 9
- Touching peers and talking to friends about sexual behaviors
- We see sexual arousal little by little at this age.
- Children at this age need more privacy.
- Sexual desires like adults and having sexual relations with older children is abnormal at this age.
