Problematic Sexual Behavior

Do you worry about what is normal in your child’s sexual development? Join us to talk with Roy Van Tassell, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and Director of Trauma and Evidence-based Interventions for Centene Health. He co-chairs the National Child Traumatic Stress Networks’ subcommittee on children with problem sexual behaviors.

Warning: We will be using anatomically correct words and talking about sex, so if this offends you or triggers you, you may want to skip this podcast.

In this episode, we cover:

Typical Sexual Development / Play
- What is typical sexual development in children as they age?
- What type of sexual play is considered “normal?”
- How should parents manage a child’s natural sexual development?
Problematic Sexual Behavior
- What are Problem Sexual Behaviors in Children?
- What causes kids and youth to act in socially unacceptable or destructive sexual ways? What factors influence the development of these behaviors?
Child vulnerabilities
- Behavior problems
- Emotional difficulties
- Developmental delays
- Low impulse control
Family vulnerabilities
- Poor supervision
- Single caregiver
Modeling of coercion
- Harsh parenting practices
- Physical abuse
- Domestic violence
Modeling of sexuality
- Sexual abuse
- Modeling/exposure
- Nudity or poor family boundaries
How common are problematic sexual behaviors?
Suggestions for professionals and parents and how to respond to behaviors.
What should parents and caregivers do?
Rules for younger kids
How effective is therapy?
How to find a therapist?
- What training have they had in this area?
- Child development expertise (including sexual development)

Resources

Taking Action booklets (two booklets) – for children with problematic sexual behaviors (age 12 and younger) and one for 13+
Resources at the National Center on Sexual Behavior of Youth – really good resources for caregivers and parents.
National Center for Exploited Children—for kids to understand safety—teaching them safety skills to protect their own body
Amaze.org—videos for children
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- A.J.’s Story— A Book About Not OK Touches