Two of my daughter’s friends got their periods, and she’s worried because she hasn’t gotten hers yet. What can I do to reassure her? – Emmeline You can start by telling her that every girl’s body has its own schedule. Some girls get their period by age 9, but others don’t …
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Is It Normal for an 11-Year-Old Boy to Fondle Himself?
The other day, I walked into the bathroom and caught my 11-year-old son fondling his penis. Is this normal? I remember the old warning about boys going blind from this. It’s not true, is it? – Jane As kids mature physically and emotionally, they become increasingly curious about their sexuality and …
My 1-Year-Old Son Always Tries to Touch His Penis. Is This Masturbation?
Lately, when I change my 1-year-old son’s diaper, he reaches for his penis. Is that normal? Is that masturbation? – Janice Many concerned parents call their doctors because their kids touch their genitals during diaper changes or their baby boys have frequent erections. They’re reassured that these behaviors are perfectly …
Sexual Development
Though sexual development is typically associated with the teen years, in reality young kids develop an emotional and physical foundation for sexuality in many subtle ways from infancy. Physical and emotional changes become more dramatic and complex with the onset of puberty and into the teen years, and kids are likely …
Sexual Orientation
Think back to when you were in junior high or high school and you talked to a cute girl or guy. Did you blush, feel your heart race, or maybe experience those first physical feelings of sexual arousal? Adolescence is the dawn of sexual attraction. It happens due to the …
Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?
I’ve heard about the HPV vaccine for teenage girls. But I’m not sure my 14-year-old daughter needs it since she’s not sexually active. What should I do? – Lora The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine actually has the best chance of protecting against infection if the series of shots is given before a person becomes …
Understanding Early Sexual Development
To parents of infants and toddlers, their children’s sexual development may seem a long way off. But actually, sexual development begins in a child’s very first years. Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-aged kids develop an emotional and physical foundation for sexuality in many subtle ways as they grow. Just …
When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?
My daughter is 13, and I’m not sure when she should start seeing a gynecologist. What is the right age to take this step? – Erin The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they’re between the ages of 13 and 15. …
When Will a Girl’s Period Start?
I got my period when I was 12. My daughter is now 13 and still hasn’t gotten hers. I always thought that girls got their periods around the same time as their mothers. – Abby Although many girls get their first period at around the same age as their mothers …
Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 1 Month
Every minute that they’re awake awake, babies take in the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the world around them. Although it may take a while to understand what all this information means, your baby can still find joy and comfort in the familiar faces, voices, and sensations of everyday …