When most children sexually act out most likely they are acting out what has been done to them. Adults may have told them this behavior is normal to do with adults or other children. Some children view it as a way to show they like you because that is what they have been told.

It is not uncommon to see younger children (three and under) acting sexually towards other children and even to adults. They think that is what adults want from them. This is a time that disciplining is not appropriate. We have to teach them right from wrong touching.

A child petting another child or an adult needs to be addressed, this is how their predator lead up to the sexual act itself. So, when a child starts to play and stroke another child or adult’s face or hair, they start rubbing another persons leg, or when a child goes and sits in another child of the same age’s lap for no reason, sit the child down and explain that this behavior is not appropriate.

A child that is sexually acting out towards other children needs to be closely monitored and may need to be placed in a bedroom separate from other children. You will need to teach the child new ways to interact with others as friends like teaching them to give high fives instead petting another child or if the petting is happening when everyone is sitting watching television then the child may need something to keep his or her hands busy like a toy or stuffed animal.

You do need to talk with your children about what they should do if a foster child touches them in a sexual way or acts out sexually towards them. They need to understand how important it is for them to come tell you what has happened right away.

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