Gender Identity and Gender Role Awareness in Infancy and Early Childhood
Psychology of Human Development

Gender Identity and Gender Role Awareness in Infancy and Early Childhood
The sexual development of the children is of great importance to the parents, and they go a long way to see it implemented. The sexual development of the children takes place in the early years of the child. From when a child is a toddler to the time he or she ages, the physical and emotional foundations associated with sexuality, takes place as they are growing. The children feel their bodies and start to portray traits associated with their when they reach the important physical and emotional milestone such as learning how walk and recognition of parents (Zosuls, Miller, Ruble, Martin & Fabes, 2011). During this time, they will start recognizing and attaching to the same sex. The stage is essential in the child’s life, as it will help in intimacy and bonding during the later stages of their growth. Parents are supposed to learn their children’s sexual development as it enables them foster their physical and emotional health as they grow.
The sexual development takes place in the life of the children when they are infants and toddlers. During this stage, they form the emotional attachment to their parents through contact and communications expressing love. The parents will communicate through touches, kisses, and hugs, which would make the baby experience comfort. Anything related to positive physical sensation leads to experience of love (Zosuls, et al 2011). The near foundation of emotional and physical attachment that establishes itself between parents and infants acts as the early foundation of mature forms of initiated physical love and intimacy, which the children experience when they are mature.
Understanding the body is one of the essential components of sexual development when the children are young. For instance, one would notice that the children would touch their genitals when they are changing their diapers. Some parents might not find this normal as the young boys might start having frequent erections (Zosuls, et al 2011). However, it is good to know that the behaviors are normal, as the youngest children are fond of exploring their bodies. Parents should understand that young toddlers love being naked and exploring their bodies.
The children would start understanding their gender of male or female at the age of 2 or 3. Moreover, this is the period referred to as gender identity. The children at this