School age: Expert advice on teaching your daughter proper boundaries
Q: My nine-year-old daughter is very curious about “boy parts.” She and her friends are making jokes and pulling down the pants of some boys in their class. Is this normal?
A: Sexual curiosity about the opposite sex (and their bodies) is perfectly normal preteen behaviour, and giggles over taboo language are likely nothing to be concerned about. But “pantsing” is an act of bullying that should absolutely be discouraged. Help your daughter understand it’s OK to be curious, but she needs to respect personal space and privacy. Ask her to imagine how she would feel if a boy did this to her, and let her know you will always do your best to answer her questions about sexuality.
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