It's a topic many parents don't like to talk about, but Dr. Robin says when children touch their genitals or engage in the same sort of touching when playing with children their own age, parents need to react appropriately. "Your child picks up your fear, your shame, your embarrassment that he is touching his body, that he is touching his genitals, that he seems to be having some sense of pleasure," she says. "You must remember this is one of the places that people do experience pleasure."
If you child is engaged in touching and fondling other children, Dr. Robin says you should not be alarmed—instead, make sure to talk to your child about the situation. "We must find the balance of always teaching our children the difference between 'good' and 'bad' touch, the difference between exploration and exploitation," she says.
