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It’s normal to be concerned about your toddler’s behavior especially when it drifts into the realm of sexuality and physical appearance. Learn how to respond with understanding and boundaries to your toddler’s behavior.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Toddlers are naturally curious! At this stage of development, it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to explore their private parts.
Actually, this development is a good sign and opportunity for you to begin to build a healthy foundation of body image and sexuality with your toddler.
Here are some things you can do and should know when your toddler starts to explore his or her genitals.
Your immediate responses are important in these moments. Remember that your toddler doesn’t quite understand what’s right or wrong in this area. Remain calm with your toddler.
Know that your toddler’s exploration of his or her body does not produce sexual stimulation. At this stage, little kids don’t feel sexual pleasure in this way.
Start to build the foundation of healthy sexuality with your toddler. Introduce the name of private parts when you feel it’s appropriate.
Say things like:
“I’ve noticed you touching your private parts a lot lately”
“Do you know the name of your private part?”
“Why have you been doing this?” “Does doing this make you feel anything?”
As you navigate these complex situations and continue to build a foundation of sexuality for your children, check out more resources here.
Dr. Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical and research based principles and guidance for raising healthy, resilient children rooted in a thriving faith in Christ.
Dr. Huerta is a bilingual psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, author of 7 Traits of Effective Parenting, and co-author of Focus on the Family’s Age and Stage resource, and various other resources. He is also the co-host and expert on the Focus on Parenting and the Practice Makes Parent podcasts.
For many years, he has provided families with practical, biblically-based, and research-based parenting advice on key parenting topics. He has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and regularly speaks on Christian radio stations and podcasts across the United States. He’s also written for various publications and is a regular speaker at retreats, conventions, family camps, online events worldwide, and on various social media channels.
Dr. Huerta has maintained a private practice serving families in Colorado Springs since 2003 and has also served families as an employee of Focus on the Family since 2004.
He and his wife, Heather, love the outdoors, have been married since 1997, and love spending time with their two adult children.
If you’re a parent of teenagers, you’ve probably noticed a growing interest in your teen’s desire to date. Where do you start? Dr. Danny Huerta recommends teaching your teen to be a contributor, not a consumer, and walking them through the purpose and some principles of dating.