Children’s literature and sexual education: promoting communication between infancy and family

Abstract

Sexuality is a core human dimension and needs to be dealt with and given attention from early childhood education in order to building strong foundations and foster sexual health. Although all factors in child development should play an active role in acquiring skills, tools, strategies, attitudes, aptitudes and knowledge regarding sexuality, families play a primary role. Children’s literature is a pedagogical and educational tool to deal with sexuality since it contributes to family-child bonding. The main aim of this research is to consider the role of the family in this educational challenge through analysing children’s literature. In this sense, the theoretical framework comprises a systematic review focused on family, childhood, sexual education and children’s literature, supplemented by an analysis of a set of children’s aimed at providing sexual education in line with three fundamental ideas: (a) how sexuality is dealt with, (b) narrative and aesthetics, and (c) the role of the family represented in the plot. Indeed, the research shows how the combination of sexual education and children’s literature helps lead to family proactiveness, attending to children’s needs and promoting children’s rights. That being said, the main aspect considers communication, dialogue and reflection as facilitating factors in families’ educational responsibilities and children’s learning.