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What Could Activity Of 4 Year Old Child Indicate?
My wife caught our 4 year old sone and his 4 year friend in his room today showing each other their penises and smelling each other's butts. Our son was telling the other boy they needed to be quiet and sneaky. My wife clamly told them both that it is not OK to touch other's private parts but you can touch their own in private by themselves. Is this a sign that our son has been abused ? How do we respond and address this with him ?
Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Hi, thanks for asking.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion catching your child doing this is the right time to teach sexuality to your child. its a teachable moment. you can use the concept of private and teach that certain body areas are private(areas covered by swim suit), which are to be touched only by self and only in private. If anyone else touches it it is not proper and one should report it to a trusted adult. Also one should report to a trusted adult if some one else touches their private part in from them.
Also teach its private but not secret, and should be reported to trusted adult. After telling all this, gently ask him if anyone has been doing it to him? I may be possible that at this age children are inquisitive and may be experimenting themselves.
I hope I have helped you.
Thank you.
Dr. Meera Kotecha
Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion catching your child doing this is the right time to teach sexuality to your child. its a teachable moment. you can use the concept of private and teach that certain body areas are private(areas covered by swim suit), which are to be touched only by self and only in private. If anyone else touches it it is not proper and one should report it to a trusted adult. Also one should report to a trusted adult if some one else touches their private part in from them.
Also teach its private but not secret, and should be reported to trusted adult. After telling all this, gently ask him if anyone has been doing it to him? I may be possible that at this age children are inquisitive and may be experimenting themselves.
I hope I have helped you.
Thank you.
Dr. Meera Kotecha
Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician
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