Early Elementary
4-7 Years Old
Depending on your child, they may still be experiencing some characteristics from the Preschool phase. Remember, all kids develop differently, so feel free to use some of those resources if that feels like a better fit for your kid! Often, kids in this age range have had more exposure and are beginning to have more access to information. They will still need support in asking questions respectfully, though they may feel shyer about certain topics. Continue to use anatomical words for body parts and teach lessons on hygiene, privacy, safe touch and consent with the lens of safety. In this developmental phase, kids are making connections with other youth and may need assistance with changing friend dynamics, sharing, boundaries, and teasing. Some kids may experience crushes and romantic feelings, while some may not. It is also common to hear “potty jokes” about body parts and body functions like pooping, peeing, and farting. Kids may bring information home from school or repeat language from older kids, siblings, or media.
Youth might...
Explore their bodies
Ask questions about their body parts and the body parts of others
Ask questions about pregnancy and where babies come from
Ask questions about sex and sexual behaviors
Begin to explore their gender expression, even if they don’t have words for it
Ask questions about different types of relationship dynamics (dating, marriage, friendship, sexual orientation)
Begin to develop crushes
Repeat or ask questions about language they hear at school, older siblings, or from media
Make jokes about body parts and body functions (pooping, peeing, farting)
Resources for Early Elementary by Topic!
Resources with an asterisk* next to them are for supportive adults only. All other resources are to be used by supportive adults and youth together!
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Videos: Amaze for Parents – all topics
Website: Sex Positive Families – provides education and resources to help families raise sexually healthy children including a book called “Sex Positive Talks to Have with Kids” which is full of conversation starters, reflection exercises and activities
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