Pediatricians should provide anticipatory guidance to parents and caregivers on what to expect during different stages of sexual development. This includes:
- Infancy and Early Childhood: Discussing the importance of using correct anatomical terms and teaching boundaries. - Middle Childhood: Preparing for puberty, changes in the body, and the basics of reproduction. - Adolescence: Addressing more complex topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
