FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 23
5 to 9
By the age of 6, most children will show an interest in how
babies are made and may ask how the egg and sperm get
together, which will involve a simple explanation of sexual
intercourse (see Explaining intercourse, conception,
pregnancy and birth to children on page 35).
They are also likely to hear stories about sex in the
playground, and pick up that sex is a ‘rude’ topic.
At this age children may continue sex play (such as looking under
toilet doors, or ‘you show me yours’) but have usually become
better at stopping when adults pass by. They need to know that
some parts of the body are private, and that masturbation is a
private thing.
Make sure all children
know that they can say
‘No’ to touching that
they do not want.
Around age 8, children may begin to form new social groups
based on common interests, so children who are ‘different’ may
have more trouble fitting in. Some of the things we teach children
about ‘acting like a man’ or ‘being ladylike’ can affect children’s
wellbeing by creating a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be. Many girls
and boys do not fit current feminine and masculine stereotypes.
Children might start to be critical of boys who like ‘girl’
things and girls who like ‘boy’ things. Your children might
need to learn that it is wrong to pick on kids who are
different, and that it is unfair to have rules about who can
like what. Encourage them to appreciate the differences
between us; these make us who we are.
What parents can do
Use books and start the conversation now about how
babies are made (see: Some good books and other
written resources on page 66). If the children haven’t
asked, start with ‘have you ever wondered how you
were born?’
Some children at this age may well feel modest and so
might want privacy in the bathroom.
Make sure all children know that they can say ‘No’ to
touching that they do not want.
Some girls will begin breast development and periods
at age 8. By age 9, start a conversation with boys and
girls about ‘growing up’ and changing bodies.
If your son or daughter feels they do not fit in because
they are developing at a different rate or do not share
common interests with other children, you can support
them by reminding them that there are lots of ways of
being a boy or girl and that none of these are ‘right’
or ‘wrong’. Focusing on the qualities of being a good
person, and seeing examples of different types of
women and men, can also be of help.
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