make them feel ashamed. This builds the foundation for feeling shame about their bodies and sex in the future. Instead, teach them that it is not OK for them to touch themselves in front of others or in public. • Kids might be curious about where babies come from, especially if you or someone close to them is pregnant or has a baby. Explain to your child in the simplest way possible how babies are made and born. Again, check out the resource list to the right for reading material that can help. Editor’s note: This column is the final in a series of four by the experts at local nonprofit Thrive OKC to empower families and caregivers to talk to their kids, in developmentally-appropriate ways, about sexual health. Each column focuses on a different age range of child and provides ideas of topics to cover, conversation starters and resources. Find the full series of Talking to Kids About Sex articles, plus a podcast with expert advice on how to handle topics like consent, puberty and pornography, at metrofamilymagazine.com/talking-to-kids- about-sex. Find additional resources for parents and caregivers at thriveokc.org.
• Teach kids to respect others’ wishes by asking permission to touch, hug, kiss or hold their hand. Use specific language to teach your kids about consent. Say, “don’t touch someone if they ask you not to” or “your friend said they don’t want a hug right now, so you shouldn’t hug them.” CURIOSITY • Children at this age may be curious about their bodies. They will probably have questions about their body parts and the body parts of others. They may see the private parts of other children, like siblings during bath time or diaper changing, and have questions. Be open and honest with them and answer their questions clearly. If you are having trouble, check out the resource list to the right for reading material that can help. • Children this age may touch their private parts. It is important for parents to understand that this is perfectly normal. Kids are curious about their penises and vulvas the same way they are curious about other parts of their body. Self-touch at this age is not sexual. If you see your child touching themselves, don’t yell at them or
Resources for Parents of Preschoolers
Books: 1. Who Has What? All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies (Let’s Talk about You and Me) by Robie Harris 2. NO Trespassing: This Is My Body! by Pattie Fitzgerald 3. When You Were Inside Mommy by Joanna Cole 4. When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Spelman Websites and Videos: 1. Sex Positive Families: sexpositivefamilies.com 2. Amaze Junior: amaze.org/jr 3. Thrive, Inc. Resources for Trusted Adults: thriveokc.org/resources/ trusted-adults
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