Curiosity in 5 year old

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Updated on Dec 12, 2014
Hello parents, my 6 year old daughter has been showing curiosity in some things that I think are inappropriate for her age, for example all the deo ads on TV, some ads in newspaper where men and women are shown together. She then asks me questions why is this woman doing this to the man etc. How should I answer. I can't totally block the exposure but don't want to come across as a liar to her too. please help.

| Dec 12, 2014
Hi Swati, This is a tricky situation. I feel it is best to handle it openly and honestly with the child rather than fooling around. You can tell the child that they way they express their love for mom and dad, through hugs and kisses, is the way older people also show affection though in a different way. hope this helps.

| Dec 12, 2014
Hi Swati, Even I have been through the same situation--children's curiosity about body parts, adult actions, etc. I feel rather than giving body parts or activities a false name, it is better to tell the child simply the correct name and why God has made the body in that way. Also, about adult content, make sure to limit exposure as far as possible.

| Dec 12, 2014
Hello Swati, I agree. a very difficult situation for parents. talk sensibly to the child, i think is the best. maybe you can get some biology books to show pictures of human body. also tell her teachers the same and discuss with them if they can hold a class in which this kind of information is shared with children in an age-appropriate way.


| Dec 12, 2014
Hi Swati. I too agree with Shipra and I also tell my 5 year old son that man and woman express love by hugging and kissing. But at the same point of time I also point out to him being a boy not to touch girls sensitive parts or stare at them coz bad people do that. And not good boys... at times yes I agree its embarrassing but its better to educate them considering the reality. Also you could tell her about good touch and bad touch. I too have a niece at home who is 6 years old. We do show her that if someone tries to touch her in so and so manner its bad and she should bring it to her moms notice.

| Dec 12, 2014
Hi Swati. I too agree with Shipra and I also tell my 5 year old son that man and woman express love by hugging and kissing. But at the same point of time I also point out to him being a boy not to touch girls sensitive parts or stare at them coz bad people do that. And not good boys... at times yes I agree its embarrassing but its better to educate them considering the reality. Also you could tell her about good touch and bad touch. I too have a niece at home who is 6 years old. We do show her that if someone tries to touch her in so and so manner its bad and she should bring it to her moms notice.

| Dec 12, 2014
Hi Swati! I appreciate ur concern regarding this issue. It is indeed a tough situation on how to filter out what is irrelevant and inappropriate for children especially that is readily available on electronic media such as television and print media I. e. Newpapers and magazines. For example the deo ad u have mentioned could been explained as :like when u see flowers it is a natural reaction to get attracted to them and their fragrance. Similarly when someone takes bath and applies deo, they feel fresh and people get attracted to freshness and fragrance. So in this manner by making the content age appropraite as well as easily comprehensible and positve too we could deal with this situation. If we adults try to avoid such issues such as sexuality, violence etc. children have an innate way of comprehending it which could have a wrong impact on their psyche. So it becomes essentail for us ( parents/ caretakers) to monitor what they are watching and talk about it and make the information projected more age appropraite as well as positive for the child.