I Don't Know What To Do!!!!! - Parenting Issues Message Board

Mommy's Girl · 12-06-2008, 08:16 PM

I have a really large, very close family. Our kids see each other a few times a week and they have always played well together.

One of my brothers has a 5 year old son and an 8 year old son that my two year old son plays with regularly.

Today they spent the afternoon playing while I visited with my brother and his wife. They engaged in various activities inside and outside coming and going.

When I was headed home tonight my son told me that his penis hurt and when I asked him why he said because his cousin had pinched it. I didn't probe too much because I didn't want to lead him into anything plus his verbal skills don't go beyond much more explanation than that.

I told him that the only people that could touch him there were himself and me and daddy but only to clean him.

I am at a loss as to what to do from here. My nephew has had some issues with touching himself often and it's become a problem but I never expected for it to affect my son.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I don't think it was an outright molestation but more than likely curiosity but I am freaking out that my son is only two and may have already been exposed to something that may affect him later.

negot · 12-08-2008, 10:15 PM

You are in a difficult situation and I feel for you. Your son's well being has to come first and the one thing I would do is make sure that your son is never with your nephew unsupervised. Are you close enough with your brother and his wife to bring this incident up with them? Is this the first time your son has mentioned anything like this? Maybe you could discuss this with your son's pediatrician without saying that the "perpetrator" is your nephew. I can't help but wonder why your nephew is doing this.

Seraph · 12-10-2008, 10:09 AM

Which nephew was it? The 8 year old or the 5 year old? This would make a difference. If it was the five-year-old, then it was probably just to inflict pain on a known sensitive spot. This is bad behaviour, and bullying, but the sexual element would be just incidental. If it was the older one, then there is much more cause for concern, it would be sexual cruelty. Teach your son to yell and make a lot of noise if anyone touches him inappropriately, and to tell a parent right away. Sera.