Well I have talked about certain sexual behaviours in younger children in the first article i wrote here so if you have not read it please do so first..I have not broached the subject of the old Taboo... Masturbation... It is a natural part of a persons sexuality and something that needs to be talked about more often in some families...Some families do not talk about this when the kids first start playing with thier private parts and that can only lead a child to think that this is wrong...Or dirty...This should not be taught...When it comes to Masturbation children should be taught it is a private thing...So I thought I would look into ages and reasons on this one too...

When kids are younger touching their private parts could be for a number of reasons...They could be just finding out about their body or touching because it just feels good...They may even want to just go to the toilet...In early primary school years kids are pretty aware that this should be done in private...When kids are approaching school age it is a good idea to talk about that masturbation might feel good but it is definately something done in private, and only by THEMSELVES...Make sure you hammer the point that it is only for themselves...Sometimes kids who are stressed out by something that is going on in their lives will mastubate for comfort...At this point you, as the parent might try to steer them away from doing this so much by offering them other things that make them feel comfort like maybe a hug from mum or dad...

Touching is a way to make a child feel loved and learn how to show affection...A caring hug stroking your childs hair and cuddling by both parents is a way to do this...Some step parents worry about doing this for the fear of being accused of sexual abuse...There is a HUGE difference....A Caring touch and a sexual touch are two entirely different things and all adults know the difference...IT IS THE ADULTS RESPONIBILITY TO NEVER, EVER CROSS THIS LINE... A caring touch is given as part of caring for a child, not for the parents or step parents own pleasure...

I wrote these two articles about this because so many times I see questions about sex play and also hear alot of parents thinking this subject is taboo... There are things we can do as parents to help foster a healthy feeling of sexual behaviours in our children... Most parents want their children to have a healthy attitude when it comes to sex and sexuality...The way you behave and react in any talk about sex WILL and does affect the way your kids think and feel about themselves...

Of course I would like to add this... Sex play and sex games  can be a very scary thing to walk in on... Please if you suspect even in the slightest way that your child has been touched by someone in any way that is inappropriate contact your local Child Protection Investigation Unit...Even if you just want to ask if something your child is doing is something to be worried about...An important part of this is... DO NOT ask too many questions of your child if you think someone is touching them let a trained professional do this...One word from you or one questioned asked wrong can cause a whole lot of damage to any court case if there is a case of sexual abuse... A trusted family doctor can also steer you in the right direction ...

Have a great day
Cheers
Angie