The child begins to identify himself as a boy or a girl as early as 18 months. But gender identity and awareness of their similarities with other members of the male or female sex occurs between the ages of two to six years. During this period, the child begins to behave in accordance with the lessons of gender behaviors. Most sociologists agree that the interaction of nature and nurture determines the further development of the gender role of the child.

Physical development

Between the most significant stage of growth - infancy and adolescence - boys and girls grow and gain weight slowly but steadily. The difference in the physical development of boys and girls is manifested only in the last year of primary school, when girls begin to grow rapidly. The boys are temporarily behind, but catch them in a few years.

The development of motor skills

Basic motor skills (running, jumping, balancing) boys develop a little faster, while the girls are ahead of them in the development of fine motor skills (they quickly learn to keep small items: pens, pencils, and writing). For this reason, girls are more likely to show interest in creative activities (painting, coloring, crafts).

Boys are also more aggressive and impulsive, which is due to the peculiarities of the structure of their brain. Pleasure center of the brain in males sensitive to risky, ventures. This does not mean that girls are not active and do not like to take risks, just a typical boy increasingly typical girl.

The development of language skills

Boys begin to talk later than girls, and vocabulary in boys less. Girls are more receptive to non-verbal indicators, such as tone of voice and expression, so it is easier to communicate, because they can better understand and express feelings and emotions.

So when the boy read the book aloud to describe what emotions Emotions and culture: how to decipher the emotional code   characters feel that he has learned to pay attention to the feelings of others.

Potty training

The girls used to get accustomed to the pot than boys, although it is unclear whether this is due to physical differences between the sexes, or differences in socialization (usually just Mom teaches a child to the pot, and girls more easily identify themselves with it). Girls are also less likely to wet the bed.

When the boy's parents are caught picking your nose or ears, he was sent to Laura to see if he had any ear infections. When the parents of a boy caught masturbating Masturbation causes prostate cancer? It begins an endless saga fear reproach, anxiety, questions and regrets. At the same time, parents can understand that this behavior is normal, but can not hold back their emotions Emotions and culture: how to decipher the emotional code .

What is sexual curiosity in young children?

Infants often touch their genitals, teasing them, just like teasing your ears or toes. Around the age of one and a half or two years of a baby begins to understand that the sexual organs are different from other parts of the body. Firstly, with them more fun to play, and secondly, they are a great pleasure. For some children, touching the genitals turn into a way to calm down, almost like thumb sucking. In others, it becomes a habit, distracting them from the important games, and development processes.

If you look at the situation from the outside, it should be recognized that the study of a child of his body quite logical and natural. When a child is taught to walk to the toilet, and it becomes his primary concern is to be expected that the child will be interesting parts of the body that were previously hidden diapers. Many small children touch themselves at every opportunity. The study of the body's own pleasure, as would be known to all adults.

This behavior is usually called early masturbation, but this term can be misleading. It does not stimulate the genitals, accompanied by sexual fantasies - the problem is still waiting for you in the future. No, kids touching herself "out there" just because it's nice.

Who shows sexual curiosity?

Most children begin to explore their genitals around the same time when the sexual differentiation begins, ie when the creatures of indeterminate sex they turn into boys and girls. Such behavior is common to most children under the age of two years.

How does sexual curiosity in children?

But we are starting to get used to the fact that our baby has grown up as a witness to his intimate games - see the boy stroked his penis, groin and the girl rubs a pillow.

Boys playing with their penises, Teasing them girls touch finger vagina, and sometimes even try to insert foreign objects inside.

Is sexual curiosity is contagious in young children?

No.

How long phase of sexual curiosity?

Study of their sexual organs to some extent continues throughout childhood (and next).

How to identify a child's sexual curiosity?

As a rule, games are found with genitals when they become witnesses of parents, relatives, babysitters, teachers, friends or parents. If this behavior seems to be compulsive or otherwise affect the child's condition (he can not calm down without touching yourself "out there"), discuss the problem with your pediatrician. In some cases, you may need expert advice and assistance.

Game genitals - it is a normal part of child development, but in some degree or nature of child sex games can be a sign of problems in the development and their experiences of sexual violence.

How parents should react to a child's sexual curiosity?

Do not try to wean the baby from intimate touching - your efforts are doomed to failure. You can not just put the interest of the toy on the top shelf, where they will not get it. If you actively interfere with the child to explore his body, prohibit and punish him for "masturbation", the game will be his genitals forbidden fruit, and the forbidden fruit is known to be sweet.

In this case, there are two possible scenarios. The child will "try" the forbidden fruit when the opportunity arises, and will hide it from you, because it is "bad." Gradually he learns to conceal his research and game from you. He will be "shameful" secret and then probably a few more. It is not a result you want.

If you feel that a child should be intimate games to take control, we recommend that the next time you will witness these games, to pretend that nothing is happening. Try to distract the child a new interesting occupation. But behave naturally, keep yourself in the hands of (the child throw and grab his arms unnaturally.). Your behavior should tell the child that he is not doing anything wrong, but there are lessons and interesting.

If the game turns to the genitals to a child in an obsessive exercise, look for the cause, and not just try to stop him. Perhaps the child is too tense, nervous and in need of comfort? Maybe around overreact to his behavior, thus contributing to building this habit? Perhaps the child has a chronic urinary tract infection or a fungal infection? Maybe the child is too nervous and is trying to calm down? Or he touches himself, because he was bored? Find the cause of the child's behavior, to study the natural process of your body does not become a compulsive activity.

Is it possible to prevent the sexual curiosity of the child?

Psychologists are advised not to try to prevent the sexual curiosity, because this is a normal phase of sexual development of the child.

One of our most important responsibilities as a parent - to tell the child about healthy sexuality Nine ways to experience their sexuality . Of course, many parents have a very different idea about healthy sexuality. But no matter what your values ​​are, you want to hand them over time, your children, teach them that healthy sexuality is nothing dirty or shameful. To do this, the child must be respected, and always be open to dialogue with him.

Very quickly kids grow up and go to the free swimming in a stormy sea of ​​life. Only if we, the parents managed to maintain friendly relations with them and mutual respect, we can stay for their authority throughout their life.