Age Group |
Physical Development |
Common Behaviors |
Toddlers |
Discovery of differences between sexes. Toilet training. |
Interest in the physical differences between sexes & in positions for urinating. |
Preschool |
|
Conscious of navel. Shows & looks at others’ genitals. Expressive about elimination. Interested in others’ bathroom habits. |
5 yrs. |
|
More modest. Less sexual “show & tell.” Not as interested in sex play. |
6 yrs. |
|
Marked awareness in differences between sexes & in body structure. Mutual investigation between sexes. Mild exhibitionism. Giggling & calling names involving elimination. |
7 yrs. |
|
Less interest in sex. Some mutual exploration & experimentation, but less than earlier years. |
8-10 yrs. |
Girls may start to develop breasts & pubic hair. |
Little sexual exploration, but high interest in sex. Peeping, dirty jokes, giggling, spelling sex/body part words, & seeking out information about sex normal. |
11-12 yrs. |
Rapid body growth for girls & some boys. Menarche for girls & growth of genitals, pubic hair & change of voice for boys starts between ages 10-16. |
Considerable interest in sexual jokes, sex information, & nude pictures. Masturbation normal. Wants privacy when changing. |
13-15 yrs. |
Finish sexual development. |
Adult sexual urges by age 16. Interest in opposite sex, begin dating, & talks about experiences. |