When Your Child Has Sexual Behavior Problems
One of the most stressful situations a parent or caregiver can face is finding out that their child has
acted out in a sexual way. It can be difficult to know what to do. If you discover that your child has a
sexual behavior problem, you may experience a range of reactions, including:
Difficulty believing that the sexual behavior really happened
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Anger--at your child, at the other children involved, at yourself, and at the world in general
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Feeling upset with or withdrawing from your child
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Sadness and depression
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Guilt and shame
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Isolation
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Disappointment, in your child and yourself
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Confusion and uncertainty, especially if it is unclear why your child is sexually acting out
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Nightmares and other traumatic stress reactions, particularly if you were sexually
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abused as a child
Whatever your reaction, know that—with support—you and your child can move beyond this stressful
time. You are not alone—many other parents have had to cope with children’s sexual behavior
problems and have experienced similar emotions and reactions. Problem sexual behaviors in
children are quite responsive to treatment--particularly when caregivers are actively involved in
treatment--and future sexual behavior problems can be prevented.