6 year old girl exposing her privates to classmates

[JuliasMum]

I just recieved a call from the nurse at the school where my daughter attends (all-girl, private, Catholic school) telling me that while my daughter was changing for gym, she pulled off her underwear and exposed her rectum to her classmates. My daughter was laughing and giggling through the episode, but her classmates did not think it was funny, in fact they were disturbed by it and told the teacher.  She does this at home sometimes too, and we always tell her it is inappropriate and we discipline her (time outs, loss of privilidges) but nothing seems to work.

During my conversation with the nurse, I also found out she's been having some other issues at school (hitting other girls, telling other girls, "I hate you" or "I hate this") in general seeming very angry.

My husband and I separated back in June and she's seemed okay about it, but maybe not. She's always had some social issues, but this whole exposing herself just seems very bizzare and something I'm afraid could end up getting her expelled. I dont know what to do. I need help. Thank you.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You should seek help for her, not just because of the particular episode. Her problems intercating with peers go beyond the single episode. Arrange an evaluation with a pediatric mental health professional.

[JuliasMum]

Thanks for the response. I spoke with my pediatrician about it and he thinks it may be to get attention too, although he didn't recommend ignoring it. Says its not that uncommon for kids going through separation/divorce. That of course makes me feel so guilty.

Anyway, he recommended she see a councelor. We also are disciplining her by taking away computer, video games and t.v. until she starts getting consistent good reports from school.

[allmymarbles]

Maybe the first time she was naked at school it resulted in such a fuss that she started doing it all the time to rile people. Try ignoring her and ask the teacher at school to to do the same. If she stops getting a rise out of people, she may stop doing it. I don't know if that will work, but you can give it a try.

By the way, when my eldest daughter was about that age she lifted up her dress at school in front of everybody. I got a note from the principal that described it as a sexual act (it was also a religious school). I asked my daughter about it and she said yes, she wanted evryone to see what pretty ruffled underpants her father bought for her. You would think that those in charge of the young would understand them.

Maybe the school is unwittingly contributing to her habit.