The process of sexual maturity of a child is a reflection of the overall pattern of child development. From the inclusion and dependency on the family of origin, to the slow process of maturity, to the confidence and the desire to establish an intimate bond with another person and the formation of a family unit of choice, usually much like the one that they were raised in. The erotic response of children is global, not only just American children, but the same the world over. It begins with a specific focus on the genitalia, more so for boys then girls, and is expressed in masturbation, and possibly some negotiated social interaction, most often with partners of the same sex. This will stop in most children at puberty, when the genital focus grows even stronger, and the getting of opposite sex partners gains importance. Sexual experience is the goal of most during this time, and with experience comes bragging rights.
During adolescence, the motivation of sexual curiosity and self gratification merge together into sexual reciprocity, or relationships. These relationships are much more stable then any previously, they are also mutually dependant and emotionally intimate. This schema is a part of all cultures, even of the culture is sexually repressive or restrictive, however it is enhanced by the child's ability to engage in sexual behaviors without the negative connotations that are commonly associated with sexual experimentation in youth. There is a strong correlation between adult sexual health and pleasure and age appropriate childhood sexual behavior. .
The mixed messages of the individual's sex drive and the importance of sex in an individual's life, as well as the sexual values of there culture, positive or negative, will determine the person's sexual opportunities during childhood and adolescence. A strongly sexed child may have a hard time growing up in a sexually repressive childhood, but still become a happy healthy adult, because they took every opportunity to be sexual growing up.