Mind, Body, Sexuality - MORE!

PART 5 - Mind, Body, Sexuality!

Let's talk about sex, shall we?

What about it, are you thinking this very thought? Well then perhaps you're one that truly NEEDS to open up a little. Why, there's EVERYTHING to talk about when dealing with sex, and sexuality...

Definition of everything:
a : all that exists b : all that relates to the subject

So, let us begin to openly discuss all that exists AND all that relates to our subject(s) sex/sexuality. Where do we begin? OH, OH, OH WAIT! Why not be crazy, insane like and begin at the beginning...

What is sexuality?
Definition:
Everything that has to do with being male or female, how we think of our bodies, our relationships with one another, how we grow and change and how we reproduce.

Infancy:
Characteristics of sexual development...
Babies are curious and explore their world and their own bodies.
All babies touch their genitals; it feels good and is comforting to them. Babies need to feel comfortable with all of their body parts, yes including their "private parts".

What can a parent do?
Help your baby recognize correct names for body parts. During dressing, diapering and bathing, practice saying names of body parts to your baby. If you use words such as penis, vulva and rectum as you would words such as eye, ear and nose, you will be more comfortable using these words in conversations when your child is older. Hey, it works - I know :)

Toddlers:
Characteristics of sexual development...
Toddlers have more curiosity about their own bodies than do infants.
Masturbation can increase, especially when your toddler is tired or going to sleep. They also have an increased awareness of being a boy or a girl. Young children imitate adult behavior associated with gender: They want to be "just like Mommy," or "just like Daddy."
Toilet training is an important landmark for your toddler. Toddlers associate their genitals with what happens when they have bowel movements or urinate.

What can a parent do?
Praise and reinforce your toddler during toilet training. Promote your child's self-esteem and healthy sexual attitudes by accepting their questions and explorations. Parents will respond differently as their children's awareness of sexuality grows.
Many parents wonder how they should respond to their young child's genital play. Although genital play and masturbation are normal and universal in young children, parents' responses may vary.

Choices:
Choose to ignore the behavior. When your child is older you can explain about modesty and private behavior.

Smile as your baby discovers his or her genitals. You may say, "I know that feels good," conveying respect for your child's feelings.

If your child's genital play is unacceptable to you, distract your child from that behavior by providing another activity.

IMPORTANT: Do not punish your child for genital play. Punishment may result in long-lasting negative feelings about genital pleasure.


So to recap, sex/sexuality indeed begins in the very early stages of being a sexual human being.

Why then do I have a determined hand to "hide" what I type as a child strolls by... What is it I'm not being open to? How do I improve my communication towards sexuality with my children? When?
ANSWER: When they ask, I shall be open to discuss, elaborate, assist in queries, attempting to be an open/honest communicator.

Phew, almost had a dilemma on my hands there ;)

TO BE CONTINUED...