Recently, a problem has arisen between school and home over how to handle the recent discovery of two five-year old Houston boys who engaging in sexual behavior in their school bathroom. The victim's (the boy who was having the act performed on him) father wants the aggressor (the boy performing the act) moved to another school. The school informed the father that, by law, it cannot do it. I think everyone is missing the point here.
These children are firmly trying to deal with initiative. Somewhere, somehow, these children learned about sex either through TV, the people around them on a daily basis, or (gasp) through exploration of their own bodies. Are the parents watchin what the children are doing? Are the teachers talking to children about such issue if the parent's aren't?
As uncomfy as it sounds, early childhood professionals must dialogue with children about these issues. Without dialogue, these children will begin to feel dangerously guilty for what they have done. From a conservative parent's standpoint it is wrong. From a liberal parent's standpoint, who can stop a person (even a child) from exploring their sexuality?
Moving any of the boys is pointless. What happened between them is a sensitive subject that must be TALKED about with the children with trusting adults. Conversation will help them develop a better mental concept of what they did and will allow them to judge their behavior as constructive or harmful.
