Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior

Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior

Sexuality is a part of humanity. Prior to actual birth, fetuses have been shown to express sexual behaviors. In studies, males are more prone to this than females, including the ability to have a penile erection while in the womb. Though it is less common for females to exhibit sexual behaviors in utero they are capable of experiencing vaginal lubrication and vaginal swelling in utero. During infancy is when sexual behaviors begin to show themselves, including pelvic thrusting at eight to ten months old as well as masturbation between six and twelve months of age. As an infant grows into a child these behaviors continue and become more developed.

During childhood development, innocent exploration of sexuality is normal. Kissing games and “playing doctor” and even same sex experimentation are sometimes exhibited.

The ages of nine through thirteen is known as the preadolescence stage. During this stage of development the key sexual behavior exhibited is masturbation. During this stage same sex experimentation can also be seen, including mutual masturbation and/or genital touching.

When adolescence is reached, puberty begins. It is during this stage that actual sexual reproduction is biologically possible. Secondary sexual characteristics begin to appear. The adolescence stage comes to an end when bone growth stops. It is during this stage that females begin to menstruate and their bodies produce estrogen to allow for breast growth. Males begin to produce more testosterone and have genital growth. The primary release of sexual energy at this stage is through masturbation however the actual range of sexual activities that teenagers engage in during this stage is vast from masturbation all the way to actual sexual intercourse.

Sexual development is a part of life throughout early infancy and into adolescence. Sexual curiosity is synonymous with human curiosity. Even though some parents may not understand or know the...