Healthy sexual behaviour
All humans are born with a sexuality. It’s a part of the human experience.
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human, driving us to look for love, intimacy and happiness. Sexuality is therefore not just sexual acts like many believe – it is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, observations, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relations.
Healthy sexuality
Healthy sexuality in children is recognized by being pleasurable, mutual, divertible and age appropriate. The exploration occurs only between children who wish to participate, and do not feel scared or forced to. The time and place of the exploration is appropriate, without any of the participants feeling exposed. A healthy sexual development often leads to a stellar sexual health.
Sexuality: a part of childrens’ development
The development of sexuality occurs parallel to – and is also a part of – the child’s entire development. Sexuality is equally as important as other developments, whether it be motor functions, language or cognition.
Children learn by playing
Children learn by – among other things – playing, curious exploration and asking questions. Playing off of peers gives them the opportunity to explore themselves as well. Children also learn though observation and imitation of others, both young and old.
Adults’ responsibility
Adults’ responsibility is what we can call respectfully observing or fascilitating, i.e. create an environment which encourages healthy sexual development. In most cases this translates to the adult making sure all the children perceive the playing the same way, meaning all participants enjoy themselves. If this is not the case, the playing should be corrected or stopped. It is important that every child feels cared for, and if reprimanded receives help in understanding what went wrong, and how they can do things differently next time. This kind of response could prevent skewed sexual development and promote a healthy sexuality. The same principles also apply to teens and adults.
Sexuality is developed through relations
Children are dependent on other humans to learn. This also applies to sexuality. Through contact with other people, children learn about intimacy and trust. They form a self-image, and an understanding of how others see them. They learn about their own and others’ boundaries and preferences, what is expected of them and what is considered allowed, in addition to what’s thought of as taboo in their family and social network.
