Sexual Health – Young Child (Birth – 5 Years)

Children pick up things quickly from their parents and the world around them. This includes words that family members and others use to refer to body parts, gender, and other topics related to sexual health. Even before they can speak and understand language, they notice how adults react to questions, emotions, and behaviours. These reactions help shape how children see themselves and others. From birth to age five, children are actively developing a sense of identity, learning to express feelings, and starting to explore their bodies.

Sharing age-appropriate information creates building blocks that help children understand body ownership, personal boundaries, and safety.  These early conversations build confidentance and make it easier for both parents and children to talk openly about sexual health as they grow older.

These early conversations do not need to be complicated. They can happen naturally during everyday moments – like bath time, diaper changes, or when answering simple questions. What matters most is creating a space where respect, trust, and curiosity are encouraged.

As a parent of a young child, talking about healthy sexuality may not seem like a topic you should be considering so early – but it is! By starting now, you are helping your child grow into a confident, respectful, and informed individual.

Check out these educational puberty videos, developed by AMAZE and used with permission.

Services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
• Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries