Information for Parents & Carers About Understanding Children S Problem Sexual Behaviours
Information for parents & carers about understanding children’s Problem Sexual Behaviours
‘Problem sexual behaviours’ is the term CASA’s use when working with children under 10, who have behaved in a sexualised way that may cause harm to themselves or others. It is important to know that some sexual behaviour is part of a child’s normal, healthy development. Your CASA worker can help you understand what age appropriate behaviours are.
Parents and carers can feel very overwhelmed when they find out that their child has engaged in Problem Sexual Behaviours. Common reactions for parents are:
- Shock
- Anger
- Disbelief
- Feeling upset at your child
- Feeling like withdrawing from your child
- Guilt and shame
- Confusion
- Fear that others will know
- Isolation from others
- Disappointment in your child
- Nightmares and other stress reactions
- Worry about the reasons why this is happening
These are normal reactions and it is important to know that with support you and your child can move through this difficult time. It is also important that parents know that Problem Sexual Behaviours in children are responsive to professional treatment and support, especially if families are involved in the process.
Children also can find it overwhelming when these issues come to the surface.
Some common reactions for children can be:
- Embarrassment
- Anger
- Shame
- Confusion
- Sadness and depression
- Feeling bad about themselves
What is important to know is that people are often uncomfortable about talking about children’s problem sexual behaviours... but not talking about it can make the problem worse, for the child, and for people around them. It is important that the child gets help so that the behaviours stop and they no longer feel ashamed.
What to do when your child is acting out problem sexual behaviours?
- Stay calm
- Clearly and calmly ask your child to stop
- Distract them
- Talk with them about the behaviours and privacy and personal boundaries
Supervision is important – explain to your child that they will be supervised when playingwith other children or in the bathroom, to make sure everyone is safe
Remember……
*Don’t ignore or cover up the problem it won’t go away by itself.
*It is the behaviour that is the problem, not the child.
Produced by Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault
Cnr Vale & Edward St Sebastopol. 53203933
6/11/16