• By this age most children realize that men and women have different sex organs. It is important to use correct names such as "penis" and "breast", otherwise children get the idea that there is something "naughty" about them.

• It is normal for young children to play "doctor" as they are learning about differences between girls and boys. If you walk in on such play, it is important not to over react and frighten your child. Simply tell them that certain body parts are private and that if they have questions about them you would be happy to answer them.

• Also at this age it is important to convey the message that they "own" their bodies and that if someone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell a parent.

• Children of this age may begin to ask questions such as "Where do babies come from?" It is important to answer in simple and truthful terms. You might start out with something like "Babies grow in a special place inside their Mommies." As time goes on you can add details as the child becomes able to understand them.

Birth thru Two

Six thru Eight

Nine thru Twelve

Thirteen & Up

In General