Problematic Sexual Behavior

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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 Behaviors

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 problemsEmotional difficultiesDevelopmental delaysLow impulse control
Family vulnerabilities
Poor supervisionSingle caregiver
Modeling of coercion
Harsh parenting practicesPhysical abuseDomestic violence
Modeling of sexuality
Sexual abuseModeling/exposureNudity 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 kidsHow 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 bodyAmaze.org—videos for childrenNational Child Traumatic Stress Network
A.J.’s Story— A Book About Not OK Touches

 This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professional

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Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.

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