baby with dad

Raising Sexually Healthy Children

It is important for you to talk with your children about their bodies and sexuality as:

  • Children are sexual people right from birth – playing with toes, fingers, bellybuttons, and “private parts”
  • Preschoolers often ask “Where do babies come from? “
  • Older children wonder if they are “normal”
  • Unfortunately, children cannot often avoid inappropriate and negative sexual messages as they are frequent in the media (TV, videos, internet) which emphasize “the perfect body” and glorify sexual activity

Children need healthy sexual messages to grow up to be sexually-healthy adults. By promoting the development of healthy sexuality, you are promoting sexual safety. By taking the opportunity now to talk openly, and satisfy their curiosity, we increase the chances that children will continue to come to us for help in sorting out all the confusing messages they may receive as they grow.

Resources

Understanding Sexual Development and Behaviour

Ways to Help Your Children Grow Up Sexually Healthy

Talking to your Child about Sexuality 

Talking With Your Child about Sex

Masturbation in Young Children