What do you do if you catch your child
showing their privates and such to another child the same age? It is
true that this behavior is common but as parents it is our job to
tell them "DON'T!" I would tell the parents of the
other child about this behavior just to inform them. The child typically
will only do this behavior with a certain friend. You should not
allow them to play by themselves and they are always in sight of an adult. Or
you may even have to break off the children's friendship. You still
can be friends with the other parents even though the two children cannot
be trusted to play together. You could let the children play
when the other parents are over at your house or visa versa but still play
in sight of adults. Set down the rules if your child goes
over to their friend's house... that is why you need to tell the other
parents and inform them of your plan. It is OK to tell
your child that these are now the boundaries of your interaction with
that other friend but if the behavior recurs, you will not play
with that friend again. But yes this behavior is typical (not
really "normal"). Coming down on him will not turn him off
to sex later. So set them straight if this happens. Just don't
go balistitics. It is quite common. But don't be afraid to come down
on them firmly.
Dr. Knapp
ps: If there is a 3 year difference in age,
then this may be child abuse.
