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Inappropriate Touching
Q: My child is an A/B student. He's having a problem with his teacher who says my son is touching others inappropriately. I don't believe it. What should I do?
A: We cannot assume that a child knows what's appropriate, especially as he grows and matures. Examples of peers getting attention for touching others or becoming aggressive sexually only confuse those who are coming to grips with their sexual behaviors and curiosities. Here's what you can do:
- Discuss with your son what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior, especially concerning touching others.
- Do not intervene or show lack of support for school decisions. Instead, go to school to get the facts and make sure you know what your son is being accused of doing.
- Seek professional help early if he continues to be fascinated by these behaviors, even after he knows that they are inappropriate.
Don't tackle this one alone. You don't want to allow him to feel he can do whatever he wants because you mistrust the teacher.
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Judith Lee Ladd is a former president of the American School Counselor Association, a national organization of K-12 and post-secondary school counselors.
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