A parent’s role in their child’s sexual development starts the day they are born. Sexuality education is an ongoing and evolving discussion that changes as your child grows.

For more information about why talking with your child about sexuality is important, read Talking to Your Children About Sex.

Guidelines for Positive Sexual Development

• Loving touch, caregiver to child
• Caregivers that describe body boundaries – my body; your body
• Caregivers that react appropriately to touching and exploring bodies
• Starting to identify gender
• Saying “no”

How to Support your 0 to 3-Year-Old

• Use the scientific names for all body parts, including genitals . Avoid shame about how bodies work naturally. This teaches your child that their body is valuable and worthy of care.
• Begin teaching about private and public behaviours and spaces. For example, exploring your genitals is best done in the bedroom or bathroom.
• Teach your child to say “no” to unwanted touch of any kind and support that boundary.
• Teach your child about the anatomical differences and similarities between the sexes.
• Speak about all genders as equally special.

Behaviours