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My 4-Year-Old Says He Played Inappropriate Games at School, and Now I’m Worried Something Bigger Is Going On

Positive ethnic woman sitting near cute son using tablet against adorable daughter looking at window while spending free time together at home

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

One mom’s evening took a sharp turn when she sat down for what she thought would be an ordinary conversation with her 4-year-old son. Instead, he revealed that he and a 5-year-old boy from kindergarten had been engaging in some alarming activities at school. They were touching each other’s private areas and even going to the bathroom together in the gym. This unexpected disclosure left her unsettled and searching for answers.

The mom responded calmly, trying to gauge the situation without alarming her son. She asked him simple questions about where this happened, who came up with these “games,” and how often it occurred. His open yet hesitant replies reassured her that he felt safe enough to talk about it. After all, they had had conversations before about body autonomy and privacy. She emphasized that private parts are just that—private—and that they shouldn’t be shared or compared with others.

Photo by August de Richelieu

While this mom has always made an effort to teach her son about boundaries, the situation raised concerns. She felt grateful that he trusted her enough to share this information, but questions lingered in her mind. Was this just innocent curiosity, or was it something more serious? The fact that he was playing these games with another child was troubling, and she worried about what might be happening in that kindergarten classroom.

She noted that while helping him dress, there hadn’t been any physical signs that might indicate abuse. Still, the matter weighed heavily on her thoughts. It wasn’t just about the conversation they had; it was about the potential implications of what he experienced and how it could affect him. Her plan was to meet with the school’s director first thing on Monday morning to address the troubling issue.

People had very different reactions to her post on Reddit. Some users pointed out that what the boys were engaging in might fall under the category of COCSA, or Child on Child Sexual Assault. This term was new to her, but it was a stark reminder that such behaviors often signal that one child may have been abused themselves. Some shared their own painful experiences, making it clear that the issue was more common than many realize. They stressed the importance of addressing such situations immediately and involving the right authorities.

Others advised her to take swift action, urging her to contact the school directly and request an emergency meeting with teachers and administrators. They insisted that it was crucial to involve Child Protective Services (CPS), as this situation warranted a thorough investigation. Many felt the need for her to ensure not just her son’s safety, but also that of the other child involved.

As she navigated the conversation and absorbed the feedback, another wave of emotions hit her. Some commenters offered support to the mom, recognizing the difficulty of discussing such sensitive topics, especially as a single parent. They acknowledged her strength and bravery in handling a subject that many would find distressing. This encouragement provided her with a sense of solidarity that she hadn’t expected.

In the end, the mom faced a confusing and unsettling reality. She was left to ponder what her son might have seen or experienced that led to such behavior. The trust he displayed in sharing his experience was heartening, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. How many children go through similar situations without ever speaking up? What other stories lay hidden behind the closed doors of schools?

 

 

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