What should you do if you discover your child and their friends engaging in some kind of sexual play? Remember that sexual curiosity is normal for children.  This usually results in games involving mutual sexual exploration.  A certain amount of this activity is a normal part of growing up.  You probably remember games like this when you were growing up.  Here are some suggestions for managing this kid of situation:

1,  Don’t panic!  Most parents face this kind of situation.  This does not mean that your children are sexual profligates.  After all, you got through games like this without them ruining your life, and so will your children.

2.  Calmly break up the activity.  If only your children are involved, separate them and direct them into other activities.  If other children are involved, send them home.  Later, call their parents and tell them what you found, just as you would want them to call you if they found your child involved in sexual play in their home.

3.  When you have calmed down have a talk with your children.  Remind them that their genitals are the personal private parts of their body and they are not to be shared with their playmates. 

As long as the activities are limited to innocent games of discovery do not punish your children the first time you catch them.  Just stop the activity.  Then, later reinforce your teaching about genital privacy and body boundaries.

You’ll find appropriate responses to other common parental challenges such as this in Appendix A of my book: Teaching Your Children the Truth about Sex.  This book is available on my website: www.drdobbins.com.