This is just what I needed - the values I need to think about for where my children are at now!
I found the masterclass to be thorough and centered on developing a healthy sense of autonomy and self-exploration for children. One aspect that was confusing was that Cath repeatedly went over the importance of kids understanding that masturbation is something that they must only do in private- which I agree, is critical- yet she also said that kids masturbating with each other is totally normal and "okay" so long as they aren't touching each other. While curiosity and exploration might be developmentally expected, children need clear and consistent boundaries around privacy so that they are not vulnerable to sexual abuse by peers or adults.
Hi Ariel, and thanks for bringing that up! I have gone back into the Masterclass and have found what you are referring to.
There is a section (WHO masturbates and how this behaviour changes as your child grows up - What is developmentally appropriate behaviour?) that talks about the sexual behaviours a child may display as they grow up.
I have used a European tool and they explain that children may want to masturbate with others, and if they do it is seen as being developmentally approriate behaviour, as long as they are only masturbating themselves and not touching other people's penises.
So... this is where it starts to get confusing, as just because a behaviour is seen as being age-appropriate, it doesn't mean that we let them keep on doing it. We would discourage it and ensure they know it is a private thing (not public).
I'll jump into the Masterclass and add a note into this section of the readable notes.
I hope this makes sense! Cheers, Cath
I bought this because my husband and I were disagreeing about sex education. It helped us both sit down and really think about what our values were, and together decide which ones to share with our kiddos!
This class provides good information and advice on this difficult subject
I found Cath's masterclass brilliant! So reassuring, to the point, practical, complete.
Gave me the knowledge, motivation, words I needed to feel confident to start the conversation with my kids. Also it was a gentle way to open our eyes as parents and get us to be responsible for our kids knowledge .