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  3. Human Development & Sexual Health: Information for Parents & Caregivers

Human Development & Sexual Health: Information for Parents & Caregivers

Words Sex Education written on a chalkboard w/ an apple on stack of books

Talking with your child about sexual health is important, but it does not need to feel awkward or stressful. Children and teens have questions about their bodies, feelings, friendships, relationships, and safety. 

Parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important source of information, and you can continue to be a safe place for them to ask hard questions as they grow.

This page provides simple and age-appropriate information to help you:

  • Understand what your child may be learning or questions they may have at different ages
  • Start conversations at home
  • Get reliable information on key sexual health topics
  • Find local support in Windsor-Essex

You can look by age, by topic, or browse our top resources.

Useful Links Sexual Health by Age Sexual Health by Topic Find Local Support

Useful Links

Sexual Health by Age

Kids this age are curious about:

  • Names for body parts
    • Your child will likely understand more about body parts and what they do but still may not know all the facts.
    • Knowing the correct names for body parts promotes positive body image, self-confidence, and parent-child communication.
    • The correct names for body parts include genitals and reproductive organs such as penis, testicles, scrotum, anus, vulva, vagina, and uterus.
  • Privacy and personal space
    • They may become shy or embarrassed about their body and want more privacy.
    • They learn everyone has personal space.
  • Where babies come from
    • They may ask questions about pregnancy, birth and babies. They may be interested in comparing animal and human behaviour.
    • Simple, honest explanations work best.
  • Safe and unsafe touch
    • It’s important for them to understand at a young age that their body belongs to them, and that they have the right to tell others not to touch them.
    • There are no secrets around touch, and all touch can be talked about.
    • Teaching children about personal boundaries and what is safe or unsafe with different people (family, close friends, people they don’t know) will help them understand the difference between ’okay’ and ‘not okay’ touch. It may also encourage them to tell a trusted adult if they think something is not okay.
  • Family structures and friendships
    • They learn that families can look different and friendships can change as they grow.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

  • Use correct names for body parts (vulva, vagina, penis, testicles).
  • Keep explanations short, simple, and honest.
  • Model boundaries (knock before entering a room)
  • Teach that bodies are private, and children can say “no” to touch.
  • Let them know it’s always okay to ask questions.

Helpful Resources:

Kids this age wonder about:

  • Puberty and body changes
    • Become more aware of their body as they enter puberty, notice the physical changes of puberty (e.g., the penis grows, breasts develop, and pubic hair appears), and may gain weight before they start to grow taller.
    • Parents may observe their pre-teens becoming unhappy and troubled. 
    • If you are noticing mood changes with your child, it is important to support them by having open, caring conversations that will help them explore and understand their emotions.
  • Emotions and mood changes
    • Dealing with new emotions due to hormonal changes or struggling with the transition from child to preteen.
    • Accepting and valuing other points of view.
    • Defining and expressing their values and thoughts.
  • What is “normal”
    • Many kids compare themselves with their environment: friends or siblings, culture, media.
    • Important to explain that each person is unique, and everyone will go through changes at different times of their lives.
  • Friendships, crushes, and early relationships
    • Your child is starting to form stronger and more complex friendships and peer relationships and starting to feel more peer pressure.
    • Early crushes or interest in dating can begin.
  • Online safety and social media
    • Kids start using devices more independently and may see things meant for older teens or adults.

Parent Tips:

  • Talk about puberty before changes begin.
  • Reassure them that bodies grow at different times and speeds.
  • Review consent and boundaries in everyday situations.
  • Discuss safe online behaviour, including images and messages.
  • Be open and available, many children ask questions during this stage.

Helpful Resources:

What teens may be thinking about

  • Healthy relationships and dating
  • Sexual feelings and identity
  • Gender and sexual orientation
  • Privacy and independence
  • Pornography and online content
  • Safer sex and STIs

Tips for Parents and Caregivers:

  • Keep conversations respectful and non-judgmental.
  • Ask what they already know and what they think.
  • Talk about healthy relationships, communication, and respect.
  • Discuss online risks (sexting, sharing images, digital permanence).
  • If you don’t know an answer, learn together.

Helpful Resources:

Sexual Health by Topic

Puberty is a natural time of big changes for your child not only physically and emotionally but socially as well. Children go through growth spurts, develop body hair, voice changes, and new feelings as their bodies mature. As a parent, talking about these changes early can help your child feel more prepared and less anxious. 

What to Know

  • As children grow, their bodies change, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. These changes are normal. Talking early and often helps your child understand what is happening and feel safe asking questions.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

  • Use correct, scientific names for body parts, it helps normalize them.
  • Answer questions simply and honestly. If you don’t know the answer, you can always look it up or say, “That’s a great question, let me find out.”
  • Make yourself “askable”: let your child know they can always come to you with questions, even if it feels awkward for you.

Helpful Resources

Consent is about respecting ourselves and others. It means teaching children that they have a right to set their own boundaries and expect others to do the same. Caregivers can support this by using clear, simple language about anatomy, personal space, and saying “yes” or “no” in a direct, respectful way.

What to Know

  • Consent applies to all types of touch (hugs, play, medical care).
  • Children can practice saying “yes,” “no,” and “not right now.”
  • Teens need to understand consent for relationships and digital communication.

Resources

Healthy relationships involve trust, respect, and open communication. Whether your child is thinking about friendships, dating, or just learning how to express themselves, it’s helpful to talk about what makes a relationship safe and supportive. Teaching your child to talk openly about relationships will help them learn the warning signs to look for in an unhealthy or unsafe relationship, they can protect themselves and ask for help sooner.

What to Know

  • Kids need help identifying healthy vs. unhealthy behaviours.
  • Talking openly helps prevent relationship violence.
  • Relationships can be one of the best and most difficult parts of a child’s life. They can be exciting, challenging, electrifying, intense and lots of work. 
  • Kids should be picky about who they get involved with (make sure they have the same qualities that you admire in your friends or your family).

Resources

Kids today live in a digital world, and that includes talking about sexuality online. Whether they’re texting, sharing images, or navigating social media, it’s important to help them think critically. MediaSmarts offers practical tips for parents on talking to kids about cyberbullying, sexting and how to discuss consent, peer pressure, digital permanence, and the consequences of sharing intimate content. 

What to Know

  • Images and messages can be shared quickly and permanently.
  • Kids may come across pornography online, sometimes by accident.
  • Understanding consent online is just as important as offline.

Resources

Menstruation (a “period”) is a healthy and normal part of puberty for many young people. Preparing your child ahead of time helps them feel confident and less anxious when their first period begins. Teens may have questions about what is normal, how to manage symptoms, or how to choose menstrual products.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

  • The first period usually occurs between age 8-18, but timing varies.
  • Once a person starts having periods, it may take the body some time to get adjusted. You may skip one or more periods during the first year. Eventually, your body will settle into a schedule, and your periods will become more regular.
  • Each period usually lasts between 2 to 8 days. All these lengths, or anything in between, are normal for periods.
  • Cramping, mood changes, and acne are common.
  • There are multiple menstrual product options (pads, tampons, cups).
  • A supportive conversation reduces embarrassment or confusion.

Helpful Resources

Teens may have questions about preventing pregnancy, delaying sexual activity, or making safer choices. Providing factual information in a calm, open manner helps them make healthy decisions and let's them know they can come to you for help.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

  • Conversations about safer sex do not encourage earlier sexual activity — research shows they actually help delay sexual activity.
  • Many forms of birth control exist: condoms, the pill, IUDs, patch, implant, and more.
  • Condoms are the only method that protects against both pregnancy and STBBIs (Sexually Transmitted & Blood Borne Infections).
  • Teens appreciate when parents discuss sexual health without judgment.
  • Confidential sexual health services are available locally.

Helpful Resources

Sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) are common and treatable. Some STBBIs are not curable or may cause long-term health issues if not treated (such as cancer, fertility issues, genital blisters or warts, or AIDS). Open, honest discussions about safer sex help teens make informed choices, reduce stigma, and prevent STBBIs. Teens often feel more comfortable seeking care when they know services are confidential and non-judgmental.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

  • Conversations about safer sex do not encourage earlier sexual activity — research shows they actually help delay sexual activity.
  • STBBIs can affect anyone who is sexually active.
  • Many STBBIs do not cause symptoms.
  • Testing is simple, usually confidential, and available locally.
  • Condoms and regular testing reduce your risk.

Helpful Resources

Children and teens may explore, question, or express different aspects of their sexual orientation (who they are attracted to) and gender identity (their internal sense of being a girl, boy or somewhere else along the gender spectrum). This exploration is a normal part of development. Young people thrive when they feel safe, supported, and accepted at home.

What Parents and Caregivers should know:

  • Puberty may be more challenging for transgender youth as the physical changes make their sex more noticeable, which doesn’t fit their gender identity.
  • Youth who are rejected by their parents and caregivers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity are much more likely to have high levels of depression, attempt suicide, use illegal substances.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

  • Listen without judgment.
    Many youth report that the most important factor in their well-being is whether a caregiver listens openly and empathetically. You do not need to have all the answers — your presence and support matter most.
  • Use open-ended questions.
    Questions like “How are you feeling about this?” or “What would you like me to understand?” invite conversation without pressure.
  • Follow your child’s lead.
    Some children share a lot; others share very little. Allow your child to decide how much detail they are comfortable discussing.
  • Affirm their identity and feelings.
    You can say things like, “I’m glad you shared this with me,” or “You deserve to feel safe and supported.”
  • Seek guidance when needed.
    Parents may also need time or support to learn. Using trusted, evidence-based resources helps you give accurate, caring information.

Helpful Resources

Starting small conversations throughout childhood builds comfort and trust. You do not need to have one “big talk” as many short talks work better.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

  • Use everyday moments.
    TV scenes, news stories, or your child’s questions can open the door naturally.
  • Keep the door open.
    You can say: “If you ever want to talk about anything, I’m here.”
  • Stay calm.
    Kids are more likely to ask questions when caregivers respond calmly.
  • Admit when you don’t know.
    It’s okay to say: “I’m not sure, but we can find out together.”

Helpful Resources

Where to Get Help in Windsor-Essex

Windsor-Essex Mental Health Crisis Line: 519-973-4435 (Open 24/7)

Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Crisis Line: 519-253-9667 (Open 24/7)

Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card  (WECHU) 
Contact information for a variety of health and social services for youth in Windsor-Essex County. 

211 South West Region Ontario
Visit the website or call 2-1-1 to get help finding local agencies that support youth, including drop-in centres, counselling, and crisis services.  

Sexual Health Services in Windsor - Essex (WECHU) 
Where to access free condoms and STBBI testing in the community.  

The Sexual Health Infoline Ontario - Call 1-800-668-2437 or chat online 
(Monday – Friday: 10AM-10:30PM EST, Saturday - Sunday: 11AM – 3PM EST)
Free, anonymous, inclusive eChat and phone service for Ontario residents. Staffed by counsellors who provide information, support and referrals in English, French and other languages. 

One Stop Talk - Call 1-855-416-8255 or chat online
(Monday - Friday: 12PM – 8PM EST, and Saturday: 12PM – 4PM EST) 
Youth under 17 can instantly connect with a therapist for free and develop a plan and get connected to local supports. Parents/caregivers can connect to the service with their child. Culturally diverse therapists and interpretation services available. 

Kids Help Phone  (Jeunesse, J'ecoute) – Call 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868 
(Open 24/7)
Crisis support, mental health support, and counselling via text, messenger, or phone

Local Services

Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex
Offers services to youth aged 12 to 25 without a wait list or referral. One-stop-shop model of care provides a variety of walk-in services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services.  Also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor, Amherstburg and Leamington. Virtual programs available.      

weCHC - Teen Health Centre 
Local health services for ages 12 to 24 years for medical care (including sexual health), counselling, groups, e-library, support for those affected by eating disorders or substance use problems.  

The Bridge Youth Resource Centre (Leamington)
Support for ages 14 to 24 in the greater Leamington area to find a safe, welcoming space and to get help with supportive housing, life and coping skills, mental health and addictions, and more. Can also help with basic needs such as showers, laundry, and food.  

The Windsor Youth Centre (The Downtown Mission of Windsor-Essex County)  
Support for ages 16-25 with essentials like food and hygiene items as well as opportunities for growth and personal development.  

Youth Diversion Essex County Diversion Program
Serves Windsor and Essex youth aged 6-18 with a series of eight youth programs that focus on building confidence, making healthy decisions, and improving communication..  

Trans Wellness Ontario
Windsor-based community group that supports the health and wellness of Transgender, Genderqueer, Two-Spirit, Non-Binary, Queer and Questioning communities and their families.  Offers many community programs, resources, and individual and peer group support services (in-person or virtual). 

Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
Offers a variety of services including victim support, crisis intervention, counselling, and public education (Consent, We Raise Our Children, Trafficking Prevention). Services also available in French. Additional language support from the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County. 

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SA/DVTC) 
Services are available to all victims of sexual assault regardless of age or gender. Visit the SA/DVTC website for a list of services available for youth under 16, and individuals 16 years and older. The SA/DVTC program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Pozitive Pathways 
Provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at-risk of HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

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