Setting Limits Sexual behaviors are normal, even in very young children. Many children touch themselves, show their privates to others, play doctor, or ask questions about sex. For children to have healthy sexual development, you should let your children know that they can ask you about their bodies. Many parents worry that setting such limits will cause the child to be ashamed or to have hangups about sex. However, like other things, children need guidelines about healthy touching and sexual behaviors.
Masturbation is a normal behavior in children.
If your child is touching himself frequently and in public places, tell your child that it is okay to touch himself, but do he should do it in a private place such as his bedroom or the bathroom. You may not touch other people's private parts. If your child tries to touch a sibling or other people on the genitals, it's important to let him know that genitals are people's private places. You may not show your private parts to other people. If your child pulls down her pants or exposes her genitals, tell her it's not okay to show her private parts to other people.