Sexual Behaviors: Setting Limits

Sexual behaviors are normal, even in very young children. Many children touch themselves, show their privates to others, or ask questions about sex. For children to have healthy sexual development, you should let your children know that they can ask you about their bodies. Be sure to talk to your child about sex. If they have not asked you questions by the age of 5, you need to bring it up. This helps to keep them from getting wrong information at school.

If you feel that your child's behavior is not OK, such as touching himself in public, you need to set some limits. Many parents worry that setting limits will cause the child to be ashamed or to have hangups about sex. However, like other things, children need rules about touching and sexual behaviors. Use a calm and gentle tone. Never yell at children or punish them for sexually inappropriate behaviors.

Here are 4 simple rules you can teach your child to help him understand the limits.

• Tell your child that he may touch his own private parts when by himself. This is a normal behavior in children. If your child is touching himself a lot and in public places, tell your child that it is OK to touch himself, but he should do it in a private place such as his bedroom or a bathroom.
• Tell your child that he may not touch other people's private parts. If your child tries to touch other people's genitals, it's important to let him know that genitals are people's private places.
• If your child pulls down her pants or exposes her genitals, tell her it's not OK to show her private parts to other people.
• Tell your child that she should not let other people touch her private parts.

All of these behaviors can be normal in a child's development. If your child continues these behaviors even after being reminded of these rules, talk to your child's healthcare provider.