Physical Development

  • Very rapid period of growth.

Developmental Changes

  • Need to establish trust and feel secure in their relationships with significant others. (e.g., parents, siblings, extended family members). Events and interactions can build or discourage the development of trust, as well as the development of self-esteem in a child.
  • Child shows an interest in the bodies of other people, particularly those in the same family. Curiosity about body parts and a desire to explore by touch typically occurs during bathing and dressing routines.
  • Family and other significant adults convey an attitude toward body parts, in particular, genitals.

Normative Sexual Behaviours

  • Gains pleasure from body sensations.
  • Curiosity about own and other's body parts.
  • Explore their body parts.
  • Shows interest in genitals.
  • Touches own genitals, self-stimulates.
  • Lack of modesty/embarrassment regarding nudity.

Information on physical and developmental changes adapted with permission from calgaryhealthregion.ca. Information regarding normative behaviour from CPRI sexuality education manual.