Sexuality development in young children refers to multiple developmental processes that are connected to knowing about one’s body, physiological responses, gender identity, and respectful relationships. Kent Chrisman and Donna Couchenour have elucidated ways that children’s healthy sexuality development is related to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Each of the developmental processes is involved in young children’s healthy sexuality development as sexuality is viewed as an aspect of being human, and not just as sexual activity.

Physical Development and Behaviors.

It is natural for young children to express interest in their bodies and to explore their body parts, including genitalia. Over time, they gain control of their bodily functions, including large and small muscles and those involved with elimination. Children make adjustments in their physical behaviors as ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles