The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Sexualization in early childhood education is a topic that I wouldn’t think to be popular because we are talking about children. Being a teacher, you get a chance to experience a lot being with the children majority of the day. During the first week of the school year, I had a student to pull his pants day and just begin playing with his private area. I asked the student what was he doing and he replied to me “he see his step dad do that a lot when he’s in front of his mom”. The student told me to wait and something will come out. I immediately took the child to the restroom to pull his clothes up and wash his hands. I explained to the class that we do not resemble that behavior in the classroom or home. The only thing should be on a 4 or 5 year old mind is writing their name, learning their alphabets, and identifying their colors and shapes. I was afraid to mention this incident to his mom because she’s always been rude to me and very nonchalant every time I spoke to her. When mom arrived to pick her son up, I asked her if I could speak with her about some behavioral concerns. Mom replied “please make it quick”. We went into my manger office and discussed what I had seen. Mom was in denial and wanted to see it on recording. She watched the video and begins to cry tears. Mom stated that she’s a single mom and she has a boyfriend and when he comes over she thought her kids be asleep. Mom said I know it’s not right but I only can afford a studio apartment for her family.

As parents we sometimes have to keep in mind that we are parents before anything. Being a single mom can be tough but to destroy your child mind isn’t worth it. We begin to offer service to her and her family and we follow up with the family once a month.