normal behavior

[joesph2u]

my grandson has been reciently charged with first degree sexual assult he was caught by his step father naked with his 1/2 sister who is 5 years old. my grandson is 10 years old. Is this normal behavior for young children?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, it is not. Hopefully the court system will handle this in an appropriate manner, and not treat it as if an adult acted in this manner.

[joesph2u]

In response to your answer to my question, I should elaborate more. my granson who is currently 10 years old was caught with his 1/2 sister by his step father, both were naked under the covers ,his step father in a fit of rage pulled him away and struck him in the hip area,my grandson fearing for his safety ran out of the house partiall clothed into a wisconsin winter, supposedly running toward a neigbor for help and safety.his step father with no regards to his wereabouts or to his emotional state took his daughter to a near by emergency room.immediately the emergency room notified the police.after examation they relealized there was no penatration.they did there fall up investigation and the district attorney is charging him with first degree sexal assult as a minor adult if found guilty he will have to register as a sexual predator for the rest of his life. i the grandfather who is 51 years old would call that playing doctor in my day.I myself and alot of others would be guilty of this same crime. Are there web cites that can direct me to information on what is normal sexual behavior for children under 12 years old? What makes this behavior abnormal? thank you

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Play motivated by sexual curiosity is typical of children who are younger than your grandson and, when it occurs in those younger years, it occurs with same-age children (not with children with the age difference in this situation). Rather than focus your efforts on trying to illustrate that the behavior is within normal limits, it would be more prudent to focus on your grandson's age, the implications of the charges being brought against him, and seeking help for him. His stepfather's response was very inadequate and neglectful, and that is also deserving of attention. Your grandson's situation should be managed within the mental health system, not the juvenile justice system. Do you see what I'm getting at? I think you should re-focus your efforts.

[joesph2u]

i do agree that my grandson does need help and counsling. my biggest concern is that he won't get help but be prosecuted as adult. i was just trying to find information on what normal behavior is so that he would not be prosecuted so harshly. I was just trying to get a proffesional opionion on what defense he would have, as I do not feel that what transpired warrants him to pay for the rest of his life. is there any cites that can help him get the proper help? right now they are not even offering any kind of mental health help.
the court system is looking at what his step father did was justified, because his daughter was being raped. although there is no evidence of it. he was questioned  without adult present, his mother just dropped him off at the police station. the officer even had him sign giving up his meranda rights up. does a 10 year old really understand what meranda rights are?
thank you

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, a child should not be questioned alone. This is a pretty appalling situation as you describe it. Your grandson's attorney should be able to help him. Web sites are not going to be a help to you. Your grandson needs an advocate, and the best person to serve in that capacity is his attorney. Also, check with your state government about advocacy for children's rights. Yes, your grandson behaved in a way that was not at all appropriate, but the situation is best handled by the child welfare/child mental health agencies.

[xleahx]

My daughter who was 6 yrs old at the time got sexualy asulted whilst out playing where we live a neighbour came and told us everything that happened she made a statement to the police.
The boy was 13 yrs old but he had a mental age of an 8 yr old but my daughter kept telling him no 3 times but he did not listern i called police but c.p.s did not take it any futher iam really mad about this but i cant do nothing no?