Sometimes there is some behavior of the child which can become a cause of concern for the parents. Children do such things innocently or out of ignorance that even the parents start wondering how such questions come to the child’s mind or why there is a sudden change in the child’s behaviour.
Growing children have many questions in their mind about their body, for which they often seek answers from their parents, and sometimes their curiosity is fulfilled by talking to someone outside. One such question of a mother came up a few days ago. He asked, ‘My 7 year old son repeatedly touches his private parts, is it right? Is it time to give her sex education? If your 7 year old child repeatedly touches his private parts or asks you such questions, then there is no need to panic or feel embarrassed. Sometimes this behavior of the child may be due to curiosity. Let us know from Jeevan Kasara, Chairman, Steris Healthcare, what is the meaning of this change in child’s behavior and what should parents do in such a situation?
Why does a child repeatedly touch his private parts at the age of 7?
If a child at the age of 7 repeatedly touches his private parts, there could be many reasons for this. Let us know about those reasons-
- A child can do this because of the curiosity of his mind. Many times children at this age try to know about their body parts. For this reason they touch their private parts again and again.
- Many times, itching or irritation occurs in the private parts of children due to heat or wearing tight clothes, due to which children touch their private parts.
- Many times children touch any part of their body even under stress. Especially when he is bored or under stress, he can do this. This is normal behavior and in such cases you need to talk to the child.
- If the child is doing this again and again, it may be possible that he does not understand that his behavior is not right. The child treats his private parts like other body parts.
- Sometimes your child sees someone doing this and tries the same behavior with himself. The child does this unknowingly and in such a situation, instead of panicking, parents need to talk to the child.
Also read- My 7 year old son touches my breasts while playing, should he be given sex education? Know the right answer from the expert
When do parents need to worry?
- Expert Jeevan Kasara says that it can be normal for a child to touch his private parts sometimes, but if the child does it again and again and does it at any place, then you need to be a little cautious.
- If a 7 year old child repeatedly touches his private parts even in front of others, then you need to be alert.
- If the child repeatedly touches someone else’s private part along with his own, then you need to pay attention to it.
- If there is a sudden change in the child’s behavior then you need to be alert and need to talk to the child.
Also read- Is it okay to give sex education to children at the age of 8? Know the expert’s opinion
Is it right to give sex education at the age of 7 years?
- Expert Jeevan Kasara says that there is a need to give initial sex education to the child at the age of 7 years, but it does not mean that you should give information to the child like mature people. At this age, you should give sex education keeping in mind the age of the child.
- Explain to the child in simple language and in a simple manner that some parts of the body are private, like penis, breasts etc. At this age, teach the child the correct information about good touch and bad touch. Tell him which parts of the body are good to touch and which are bad.
- Explain to the child that you should never touch your private parts in a public place.
- If you scold or embarrass the child, he may get scared and hide his feelings, so you need to avoid doing so. It will take.