Question

A parent in great distress consults a social worker, because of having heard so much in the media about sexual abuse, the parent is unsure how to respond to recently finding her five-year-old exploring the body of another child. The parent does not know whether this is deviant behavior. This social worker should:

A. reassure the parent that this is normal for children thisage
B. advise the parent to call the appropriate authorities
C. discuss the parent's feelings about sexuality
D. suggest that the parent call the other child's parent

Answer 1

The social worker should reassure the parent that exploratory behavior is typical for children of that age and provide education about childhood sexuality and appropriate boundaries. They should also discuss the parent's views and feelings about sexuality to offer comprehensive support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case of a parent finding their five-year-old child exploring the body of another child can be concerning, but it is important for the social worker to address this situation with sensitivity and professionalism. Exploratory behavior in children of this age is common and often a part of normal development. However, it is crucial to guide the parent to respond appropriately by educating them about childhood sexuality and discussing appropriate boundaries. The social worker should reassure the parent that such behavior is typical at this age but also encourage the parent to engage in a conversation with their child about privacy, consent, and the differences between safe and unsafe touch. Moreover, discussing the parent's feelings about sexuality can help in providing the necessary support and may prevent the application of adult perspectives or anxieties onto the child's behaviors, which are typically driven by curiosity rather than sexuality.