sexual awarness/role playing in a four year old male

[Julia0502]

I witnessed something this morning that has me a little troubled. My son is 4 yrs old, and everymorning he comes and gets into bed with me. This morning he did not.  I got up to go get my coffee started and noticed that he was laying on his bed with his pants down and his legs bent up in air.  He was touching his penis and scrotum lightly, then began to rub his anus with his fingers. He did this for quite awhile, then covered up with his sheet (pants still down).  I began to make noise so he would become aware of my presence, but he didn't notice. So I went in and began the day as normal. I asked him what he was doing and he said "watching TV", so I asked him why his pants were down?  He stated that he was "just pretending", so I asked what he was pretending and he looked like he was going to cry.  I assured him he was not in any trouble, so he said he was "pretending to have sex.."

I should mention that I am a single mother that does not date, so there are never any males around here.  He see's his father on 1st,3rd and 5th weekends of the month only.

I am very disturbed by this, is this normal or should I consider some type of therapy for him?

[DoulaDoll]

I would take him imediately to a therapist and get him some help, if this child is being molested it won't sop if you inore it.  GOd Bless and Best Wishes

[specialmom]

Oh, and I am really sorry about this.  This is every mother's nightmare.  Best of luck to you.  

[specialmom]

Yes, distubing.  If you had said that you just saw him doing this and didn't talk to him about it-------- I'd have said his bum itched and he started rubbing, or natural exploration and such.

But a four year old saying he was pretending to have sex is a major red flag.  Four year olds should not know the word sex.   He's either being exposed to seeing it or someone is doing something to him.  

You will need to call his father and be prepared to take action to keep him safe.  good luck