Sexualization in Early Childhood Education

 In my opinion children learn about sexuality the same way they learn about everything else—through words, actions, interactions, and relationships. Families are children's primary teachers about sexuality development, but early childhood teachers and directors also support children's healthy sexuality development as they interact with children, work with families, and plan programs. 
"As early childhood educators, we need to use a frank, matter-of-fact approach when discussing sex with young children. If adult anxiety or disapproval creeps in, children get the negative messages loud and clear. This book offers useful information about young children's development, including their sexual development, and vignettes that encourage dialogue among teachers and families, as well as discussion in workshops and college classes." — Alice Honig, author of Secure Relationships and Young Children articles on psychosexual development
Exposure of Children to a Sexual Environment
when I was watching Sophia the 1st with my son some of the characters had in my opinion very sexual voices and even their figures were portrayed very sexually. 
Today in class 2 of my students were talking and one child stated, "I love purple because it is a sexy color", I asked what makes purple sexy? she said teacher if you wear purple you look hot. 
Another example of sexuality in young children is when my students were talking and said, "when my mommy wears her high-heels she looks real sexy, my daddy says she's super sexy. I think as parents a lot of times we forget that our children are around and that they pick up on everything.
In these types of situations I always remind my students that these types of words are ADULT words, and that we are preschoolers so we need to talk and act like it. It's very important that these situations be addressed immediately and that we show them there are many other behaviors that are accepted at preschool and for 3 and 4 year olds. I also let students know that we need to have fun and its ok to explore but remember preschool is a time to be a kid.
After this weeks studies I am aware of how much our society has impacted their beliefs about sexuality on children. How we need to advocate for children promoting child-like behavior.

Reference:

Healthy Sexuality Development: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators and Families

Author(s): 

 Donna Couchenour &