what to say?

[what2do4776]

My 7 year old daughter has shown sexual curiousity.  She convinces her 4 yr. old brother to pretend to be her boyfriend.  She dances with him and pretends to go on dates.  With is normal, and I know that.  what bothers me is that she kisses him.  He doesn't think anything is wrong with it but I don't want this to turn into other "explorations".  She is extremely bright and absorbs everything.  We don't watch any adult shows or news because she absorbs everything.  

We are an affectionate family but not inappropriate.  

She likes to play Barbies and have noticed that she does have the Barbies have boyfriends.  I have spoken to her about the behavior and have told her that those are adult behaviors and not for a seven yr. old.  I don't want her to be ashamed but now I'm nervous about her being alone with anyone...

I don't want her to do these things with other children and think its ok.  Also I fear that phone call from one of her friends parents telling me that my daughter asked them to do something sexual.

[Peach1978]

I don't let my seven year old twin daughters watch TV (we don't have cable TV - I let them watch only movies that I pick out myself) and at their dad's house they watch shows appropriate for children (not for teens like Hannah Montana or High School Musical). These shows are often inappropriately watched by young people and have boyfriend/girlfriend scenarios which I don't think are really appropriate for 7 year olds.

Just my thoughts but TV shouldn't be taken away fro awhile - it should be taken away for good. Our society is so sexualized now - our kids pick up on this instantly and we've almost desensitized ourselves from the many images we see on billboards, TV and movies. As a society, I believe that we have become numb to these images which have a huge impact on our young girls and boys psychology. It's up to us as parents to help (as much as we can) monitor what they have access to.

[what2do4776]

Thank you soooo much, it is somewhat comforting to know it not "only" my kid!  She really felt bad and I explained to her that the characters were older than her.  Hopefully our talk helped.  I also don't want my lil guy to think that its okay to go around kissing everyone.  
Well, just another joy of being a mom...really wish we had a manual for all this stuff...!

[specialmom]

Hi, my friend has a 7 year old girl that is . . .guess what---- doing the same thing.  She watches Hannah Montanna and my friend thinks this is why.  They have talked to her about appropriate vs inappropriate (kissing)--- and tried to lay some boundaries.  But I am thinking a lot of girls of this age that idolize some of the shows you mention are playing this way right now.   I think I'd do as you say, watch those shows in small doses and perhaps, watch with her and talk about it-----  pointing out to her that the characters are older than 7!!  I have boys that haven't really noticed stuff like this yet.  

[margypops]

Well maybe its okay and she is simply playing just be aware, nothing sexual has happened so if her family are loving thats why she is,if she is simply dancing with her brother it isnt really a concern, does she do this at school.... is she affectionate with friends.Have you any teen family who have boyfriends or babysitters?

[what2do4776]

No, her father and I are together.  She does watch Disney channel which has a lot of dating.  (Zack and Cody, Hannah, Wizards)  But I didn't think anything of it since most kids her age are watching the same thing.  I'm very open and honest with her when she asks questions.  

We have now taken the TV. away for a little while.  My husband and I are very affectionate to each other and so are her grandparents...but again nothing inappropriate.   Hugs and kisses are not something I want my kids to be afraid of...
I know it is curiosity and nothing abnormal but what is the right thing to say???

This is why it is worrying me so much...I try to keep such a kid  friendly house...

[RockRose]

Why is she so obsessed with having a boyfriend at the age of 7?  I did know a girl like that,  and her mother did a LOT of dating and constant drama with this or that relationship.

Is there someone in your family that she's watching behave this way?  An aunt or older cousin?