Growing Up Too Fast: Early Exposure to Sex

Children are naturally exploratory beings. As we develop, we engage with the world around us using all our senses. Imagine yourself at 2 or 3, crawling around in a grassy field on a summer day. You feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze blowing through your hair, you breathe in the aroma of the fresh green grass, perhaps even pluck a piece and sample it. A puddle from a recent rain storm beckons you and you splash about in it, drenching yourself. An ice cream cone is offered to you and you savor the sweetness and stickiness as it drips down your chin and onto your clothes. Our skin is our single largest organ and when touched, can generate pleasure. You may have noticed what would be considered erogenous zones and begin to delve into discovery with great enthusiasm. All these are naturally occurring sensual childhood experiences. Innocent, playful, delightful and set the stage for cultivating relationships. When left to blossom, they can lead to healthy, psycho-sexual growth. When thwarted by adults who admonished you with the idea that certain body parts are considered “dirty,” or at least unacceptable to touch, you might have emerged covered with shame in the same way you may have gotten muddy in the puddle. The difference is, that can be washed off, and sexual shame penetrates the psyche’ and has long lasting impact. With guidance, parents can become healthy role models for their children as they learn about their bodies. Multi-generation...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens Parenting Sexuality Students Trauma Child Development Exposure high-risk behavior Self Harm sexting Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault sexual development Sexual Imagery Sexual Interaction sexual situations Teen Source Type: blogs