First, review the case study about Logan below. You may find it helpful to refer to the suggested answers for the Explore activity in Lesson One. Then answer the questions in the Sexual Behavior Reflection Tool. Finally, complete the Responding to Sexual BehaviorIn the MomentandAfter the Factactivity.

Logan is a 16-month-old in a toddler classroom who is thought of as a healthy and typically developing child with a supportive family. Program staff have noticed that during diaper changes, Logan often attempts to touch his penis in a way that appears to be self-stimulating. Logan will become upset and cry when staff quickly finish cleaning him up, preventing him from continuing. This only lasts a few minutes, and Logan quickly moves on to playing.

One morning Danielle, Logan’s mother, requested to change Logan’s diaper before leaving, explaining that Logan had a bowel movement on the way to the center. The staff observed Danielle to respond to Logan’s touching by saying, “That’s nasty. Don’t touch your wee-wee!” as she quickly swatted Logan’s hands away from his genitals.

Is the behavior random or infrequent?
Yes, Logan only does this during diaper changes.
Is the behavior typical for the child’s age and developmental ability?
Yes, it is typical for children to touch their genitals.
Is the behavior driven by curiosity, exploration, and playfulness?
Yes, Logan is learning about his body and sensations.
If other children are involved, is it mutual and good-humored?
No other children involved.
If other children are involved, do they know each other well and are they of a similar age and development (<2 years)?
No other children involved.
Is the behavior easily redirected?
Yes, although he cries for a few minutes when diaper changing is complete, he quickly moves on to playing.
Normative Sexual Behavior?
Yes.

Now complete the response tool. First, describe the behavior:

Responding: In the Moment

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Pause
  • Stay calm during diaper changes.
  • Remember that Logan is exploring his body in a healthy way.
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Redirect
  • The routine is different when diaper changing is over.
  • Logan likes to look at books; offer to read to him after diaper changes.
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Listen
  • Logan cannot communicate his behavior or why.
  • Touches himself as a way to learn about his body.
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Teach
  • Model using developmentally appropriate language.
  • "I'm wiping your private parts to keep your body clean."

Responding: After the Fact

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Reflect
  • Logan is a typical child demonstrating normative sexual behavior.
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Prepare
  • Know the In the Moment steps for this behavior.
  • Redirect Logan with an enjoyable activity after diaper changes.
  • Teach "private parts" or "penis" so he understands what the body part is called.
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Communicate
  • Communicate with co-teachers so responses are consistent.
  • Speak with Danielle about how staff respond to this behavior. Ask Danielle for thoughts on the terms, "private parts" and "penis."
  • Offer information onNormative Sexual Development and Behavior