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DS has been 'exploring' with friends DD - I didn't handle it well...

9 replies

Thisisnotworking · 25/11/2013 14:00

DS is 4, friends DD, let's call her E is 5. They've known each other from birth and see each other regularly. We were over at E's house for play date and while we sat with our little ones DS and E were in her room, playing with the door open. My friend N casually popped her head in the door, gasped and told me to look. I was expecting to see some sort of construction or huge mess, instead DS was lying on the floor, pants and undies down to knees. He was playing with his penis, while E with her back to us also undies down to knees sort of leaning over him watching proceedings. They were both giggling enthusiastically, just having "fun". I don't think there was any touching each other.
N was shocked, i had not expected this and didn't know what to do so did the wrong thing by marching in, lifting DS from floor and pulled up his pants saying how this is not right, we're going home. Cue him wailing no, he wants to stay and play. I then picked him up and took him to another room. Sat him down and explained -calmly by then- that his willy is private and only for him to play with and look at. We have told him this before, it is fine to touch himself but he shouldn't show his parts or ask to see anyone else's.
We then sat them down together explaining same thing, privates are private ect. They nodded and went out to play another game quite unperturbed and happy.
The thing is, I know this was completely innocent and normal behaviour, but I don't really want it to happen again. It just seems wrong somehow, to see your child like this. We were talking with E's dad later, and he was very relaxed about it, even questioning whether we shouldn't just let them get on with it, rather these two exploring where we know the child and parents well than following their curiosity elsewhere ie at school Shock or so.
Sorry, this is getting long. My point is, I know I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, what do I do now? Talk to DS again or not? If yes how do you explain why you can't play naked with others? Or can they? Help!

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LittleBairn · 25/11/2013 14:04

Your reaction was a bit OTT, it's totally normal for them to be curious.
I do agree with explain parts of our bodies are private but there was no need to threaten to take him home you made it sound like he needed to be punished.
If you continue reacting like this to those sort of situation your going to teach your son that his body is 'dirty' and that he should keep things like exploration secret.

May09Bump · 25/11/2013 14:17

oh god that's hard - they are starting to understand things, but at level where you can't fully get through to them.

I haven't really thought of this kind of thing occurring and TBH, I probably instinctively would have reacted in a similar way. We know that bodies are nothing to be ashamed off and they were probably just curious / comparing, but you have to learn them what is appropriate when.

I have just managed to stop mine stalking about his penis / poop etc at inappropriate times - by saying we just talk about it in the bathroom or other relevant places. Unless he is sore in that area. That might work if you state where you can be naked, and still learn him not to play with himself.

I think it's a journey for everyone - don't beat yourself up over it. Can you ask family if anyone has also dealt with this problem. I would suggest books about body differences but I think at this age it may cause more trouble than good.

Good luck

Thisisnotworking · 25/11/2013 14:46

LittleBairn, I know didn't react right, I asked how to go on from here.

May, thanks, it does always help to hear others struggle too. Tbh I am more upset about my reaction than what actually happened. Have spoken to DP, he remembers his grandpa reprimanding him for playing with himself, and this may have been part of why DP is rather prudish. DS knows it's totally fine to touch himself, we tell him just to do this in his room or when he's having a bath ect. I thought about books too, but as you say it might complicate things further atm. Will leave it for now, I did tell DS he can ask or tell me and DP anything. He seemed his usual self, so I don't think I've done any damage (yet).

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May09Bump · 25/11/2013 21:03

I'm sure he will be fine :)

Notsoyummymummy1 · 26/11/2013 08:57

It's normal to panic at this kind of thing because as adults we look at nakedness and playing with genitals as sexual so it is jarring to see children in this situation. Some people don't like to see children running round outside naked in summer for the same reasons - we attach our adult sexual interpretations to innocent acts. They just saw they had different bodies, she found it funny and he was showing off to her. Don't panic, you haven't warped his views, you've just taught him his private parts are private - you don't want him thinking he's got a new party trick!! You did fine but leave it be now - he's got the message now, don't make a bigger issue of it than it needs to be.

Thisisnotworking · 26/11/2013 09:07

Notso you're right! I've been looking for an explanation why I was so upset by the image and you put it into words perfectly, thank you.
I haven't said anything more, just reminded him if he has any questions he can ask me or daddy anything

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Notsoyummymummy1 · 26/11/2013 15:09

Ah you're welcome, sounds like you're great parents so don't beat yourself up - parenting is an absolute minefield and we are all allowed to freak out now and then!!! You may even laugh about it one day if they end up getting married!

prettywhiteguitar · 26/11/2013 20:44

I think that reaction was ok as long as you don't go on about it ! They are old enough to be told not to get their bits out when playing

I would probably have laughed but then told them it's not really appropriate behaviour

Bless them !!

princesspants · 26/11/2013 22:11

I have a boy and a girl and they have done similar and I reacted much the same as you!

Just like notso is saying, I came to this conclusion afterwards but it does shock you at first.

I am more ready the next time to deal with it better. I also have a baby boy and the girl is the middle child so Im sure it will happen again!

I remember - vividly, playing doctors and nurses with my little friends in the street. I was 4 and the other two were 5. My parents had put an old washing machine out for an uplift. The boy decided this was a hospital machine and as the patient I needed to be somehow, hooked up to it. As I wouldn't put the dirty hose in my mouth we decided I should clamp it - between my butt cheeks Grin.
Cue my mother returning from the shops to find me standing with my knickers at my feet and a hose pipe up my bum!! When my friends seen her face they scarpered and left me to explain.
My mum reacted like I had done something really bad.
I distinctly remember going from playing an innocent game to somehow feeling embarrassed and dirty in some way. I didn't know what it was but I felt horrible.
I've clearly learned nothing but we can only react better the next time now that we have had time to think!

Im sure my mother had a good giggle with a g&t later that evening Wink

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