Below are some common examples of normative childhood sexual development and behavior. If you have questions about your child’s sexual development and behavior, speak with your doctor or another professional for more information and resources. Birth to 6 Years- Males can have erections beginning at birth.
- Newborn females may have a period-like vaginal discharge in the days following birth.
- Explores and touches own private parts in public and private.
- May enjoy being nude in public or private.
- Talks about body parts and bodily functions (bathroom talk).
- Shows private parts to familiar people.
- Stands too close to others; lack of personal space awareness.
- Participates in pretend play involving touch (doctor, caring for baby).
- Wants to look at or is curious about family members’ private parts.
- Touches adult breasts (especially mother’s).
5 to 8 years- Occasionally explores and touches own private parts when alone.
- Develops modesty and understanding of private topics and activities.
- Developing awareness of privacy about bodies.
- Discusses private parts with children of similar age.
- Playfully exposes private parts, may ask others to do the same (you show me yours, I’ll show you mine).
- Kisses/hugs familiar adults and children.
- Stands too close to others; lack of personal space awareness.
- Participates in pretend play involving touch (doctor, caring for baby).
- Curious about birth, life cycles, where babies come from.
- Attempts to see others nude.
- Imitates flirtatious or romantic behavior.
- Uses foul language, tells inappropriate jokes or uses sexually explicit gestures.
6 to 12 years- Masturbates in private.
- Wants privacy.
- Females may begin menstruation (average onset in U.S. is 12 years).
- May begin to develop secondary sex characteristics (pubic hair, enlarged breasts, facial hair, etc.).
- Shows a growing knowledge of physical changes, reproduction, sexuality.
- Plays games that may be of a sexual nature (truth or dare).
- Finds humor in exposing private parts; may ask others to do the same (flashing or mooning).
- Stands too close; lack of personal space awareness.
- Uses foul language, tells inappropriate jokes or uses sexually explicit gestures.
- Experiences exposure to and interest in sexually explicit language and media.
- Begins to develop sexual attraction to peers.
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Focused Topics
Sexual Development & Behavior in Children and Youth
Lesson 2
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Normative Childhood Sexual Development and Behavior
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