What is normal sexual curiosity and behavior?
Healthy, normal preschool age sexuality: • Touches/rubs own genitals • Asks about breasts, genitals, babies • Erections • Plays “doctor” or “house” Behaviors of concern in preschool age children: • Continued genital touching in public after being told to stop • Attempts to touch the private parts of strangers • Staring at nude people • Continues playing “doctor” after requests to stop • Putting objects in genitals or rectums after being told to stop • “Humping” other children while both are dressed Consider seeking professional help if a preschool age child is: • Touching themselves to the exclusion of normal childhood activities • Demanding to be touched, sneakily attempting to touch adults • Trying to undress others • Forcing children to play “doctor” • Using force/coercion to put objects in other children’s genitals or rectums • Simulating or attempting real sexual acts Healthy, normal elementary school age children: • Takes advantage of opportunities to see nude people • Attempts t
