Quick Answers...
I found my preschooler with his friends examining their private parts. Is this normal? What should I do?
Exploring body parts is completely natural for a preschool
age child, and you should set healthy boundaries at a young
age. Because he is becoming familiar with his body and
noticing differences, it is natural for him to be curious
about others’ bodies as well. Rather than shaming or
disciplining your child about his curiosity, use this as a
perfect teaching moment. You could say something like “you
seem to be curious about other bodies, let’s talk about the
questions you have” and follow up with a book from the
library about bodies. You could also explain that it is OK
for him to explore his body in private, but that it is not
OK for him to look at or touch other people’s private areas
or for others to touch his private areas.
Teaching that exploration is normal will allow your child to continue to develop a healthy attitude about self and sexuality, and having open and honest talks at a young age will help him feel comfortable to come to you as more questions arise.
For more information, please read the following website:
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/humanrel/gh6002.htm
Kim Allen, M.A., M.F.T., Associate State Specialist, Director, Center on Adolescent Sexuality, Pregnancy and Parenting (CASPP), Human Development & Family Studies, University of Missouri Extension
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Last update: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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