You do not say what sexual acts the girl you mention is doing. The
child's sexual expression begins as early as the first year and takes
different forms with age. Children often hug, cuddle, kiss, climb
on top of one another., lock each other's genitals, play doctor, play
Mom & Dad and the like till about 8 or 9 years of age.
By
about this time many children become aware of sexual arousal, erotic
sensation and will seek pleasurable experiences such as self stimulation,
touching others' genitals etc. This is a normal part of psychosexual
development, although most parents are concerned, embarrassed and
attempt to inhibit these activities.
We
do not mean that expressions of sexuality should go unguided. Parents
should begin to talk about their personal values at this time, and
teach children what is appropriate and what is not.
In
the case of a child such as the one you refer to, whose behavior
appears to be beyond the limits of what is normally observed, consulting
a children's counselor can certainly help. The counselor can help
sort out if the behavior is normal, if not, which of many possible
issues are involved and help the parent deal with it. He will find
why the child is behaving in a certain way and would also suggest
him/her better ways to express affection, curiosity or sexual feelings.
If
nothing unusual is involved, the consultation will bring reassurance.
|