Sexual curiosity in 6 yo

[Yetanotherworriedmum]

6yo ds1 has recently been showing some sexual curiosity - he was "caught" with a friends daughter having a look / touch of each other's genitals a few weeks ago. We had a big chat with him about it being normal to be curious but that those areas are private and not to be touched etc. Great, so far so good. Except he is now seeming very interested in his younger brother, hiding under the covers in bed to try and touch his genitals for example.

I feel really out of my depth here! I don't want to make a bigger problem but likewise need to help him understand what's appropriate! He is furtive about it ( wouldn't tell his dad what he had been doing to his brother cause "you'll tell me off") so he recognises he shouldn't be doing it, but still does!

I'm reasonably sure it's normal curiosity, so looking for advise on how to get the message across about what's inappropriate. Also though worried it might be something we need help with - has anyone any experience of this?

Just for background I am 100% sure there has been no abuse / inappropriate tv / images / porn etc.

Help!!

Why are you assuming his curiosity is sexual? He is surely just showing an interest in body parts and particularly the differences between his and others. I would say this is totally normal, but please don't attribute adult emotions and feelings to this where none probably exist.

I would just reiterate to him that anything covered by pants are private and that while it is fine for him to touch his own (just not in public) he must not touch other peoples. I think the message just takes time to sink in to be honest and at some stage their natural reluctance to have others look at their own privates will kick in and they will understand. For now just be patient and kindly remind him when you notice him doing something. You should also be giving this message to the younger brother regardless of how young so he can stand up for himself when his older brother is maybe doing something inappropriate.

Good luck, but don't worry too much, its normal and they grow out of it.

I wouldn't call that "sexual" curiosity, I would call that simple curiosity. I think what you are doing so far is fine, if you are 100% sure he has not been exposed to anything inappropriate that has prompted this behaviour.

My ds got a bit fixated during potty training i would keep doing what your doing.

Thanks everyone. You're right - "sexual" isn't the right word, want quite sure how to phrase it. I will keep reiterating the pants area is private message.