Hi all, my family had a situation about 8 months ago... we found out that my 6 year old nephew was being overly curious about his cousin (my neice) who is also 6 years old. He was asking her to touch him (which she wouldn't do) but he kept telling her it was alright. We thought this was just kids being curious and both of their parents spoke to them about it and how and why it was wrong. We just found out that it happened again. Is this normal? What should we do?
Thank you both for your responses, I know this isn't the easiest subject to talk about and it brings up a lot of different concerns. My nephew's mother was worried about the same thing, that someone could be abusing her son. I know she did ask him about this and she has been keeping an eye out for these types of situations. I think I'm going to ask her to bring him to therapy. Hopefully this will help him. Thank you again for your advice on this touchy subject!
I would have the same concerns as the other posters but would like to add that you talk to him about "private parts" and that no one should touch them except you, and you don't touch others. I have two sons and some times for "fun" they will chase each other around to touch each other "bumbum" or "peepee" as bizarre tag game and that is what we tell them.
I'm a therapist who works with children, many of whom have been abused sexually. Typically, there is a different presentation in children who are just being curious. It does not necessarily mean that your nephew was abused but his behavior suggests he may have had exposure - kids often reenact what they see their parents do, what was done to them, or what they see on tv or magazines (did he have access to pornography?). It sounds like your intuition suggests that you are worried - go with your gut. At the minimum supervise their contact and continue supporting your daughter for reporting to you and not listening to her cousin's demands. Sounds like you are doing everything right so far.
That is not normal...Could that child be mocking the behaviors of "others" around him, or is that what "he" is told by an Adult (or someone) in his household?... PLEASE take immediate actions...
C.,
i would not suggest that it is normal but it does happen...i dont wanna say its something they're seeing at home but it could be that or television...there is no way that they get curious out the blue...been thru it with one of my nieces when she was about the same age...i seperated them until they knew better or there was always someone on the set...there is no way for u to explain and they fully understand at such a young age...good luck
