Baby's knowledge about gender, language, and common sense of life are all obtained from daily life. Baby will suddenly realize at some point: Oh, so male babies are different from female babies, I need to study it carefully. So he would have many 'strange actions', touching his special organs, peeking at his parents taking a shower, and asking some questions about sex. So what are the characteristics of babies in terms of gender exploration and recognition?
The Development of Baby's Gender Awareness
Around 2 years old: Babies between 1 year, 6 months, and 2 years old can recognize gender differences. Some babies around 2 years old can already correctly distinguish the gender of people in photos, but cannot determine their own gender yet.
Around 3 years old: At around 3 years old, most babies can say whether they are a boy or a girl, but they do not yet know that gender is fixed and unchanging.
After the age of 3: The baby's concept of gender becomes increasingly clear, and they can understand that their own gender and others' gender remain unchanged. Especially after entering kindergarten life, babies have a certain interest in gender and will explore it through their own methods. After the age of 3, babies will prefer the one between their parents who is of a different gender from themselves, and may also have jealousy towards the same sex.
Implicit sex education, beware of gender confusion
Parents should not feel shy about telling their children simple sexual knowledge. Proper guidance during the early stages of a baby's gender awareness can prevent gender confusion. For example, "sissy," "tomboy," or homosexual.
Provide space for babies to explore
Gender cognition starts from the birth of a baby and is continuously learned throughout their life. Parents should guide their children to establish correct gender concepts with a positive attitude. When the baby becomes interested in their own way of urinating and reproductive organs, do not think that their exploration is "shameful". Give the baby some space for exploration. Babies gradually establish their understanding of gender through exploring their own bodily organs and interacting with others. This kind of exploration is healthy, not a 'moral issue'!
