[Howdy]

I have a foster child (4 yrs old) who has acted out sexually and I bought a book called "Those are MY Private Parts" with the idea that I will read it to the child and maybe she will not be fooled into being abused when she goes home (because she calls what she does with people the "Up Down Game", so I wonder if she thinks being abused is some sort of acceptable game).

But now that I have bought it, I'm not sure if it is totally appropriate to read to someone else's child. There are a dozen little poems all ending with Those Are MY Private Parts!. Most of the poems are nice (like "It's my body from my head to my toe. / 'No!' I can say, to anyone I know") , but one says "You will never, ever touch or play / With my private parts in any way".

Does that seem too explicit? I wouldn't want the child to repeat the poem in a way that could be construed as accusing someone. But on the other hand, I'd like her to feel empowered to refuse to 'play'.

[MarMad]

If you're worried about the content being too explicit, can you get in touch with your social worker and read him/her the possibly objectionable passages?

I myself would read it to her, and really try to get the message to sink in. I would be heartbroken if "The Up Down Game" continued if/when she returns home because she doesn't know it is wrong. Her ability to accuse someone might be the best thing to give her at this point.

[Faith65]

I agree with Mar all the way around!

[radish-mom]

exhibiting sexually reactive behaviors you should get her an appointment with the Dr. ASAP.... and request a sex abuse screen (amazes me how long they wait to do these when at this point in my life I think it should be done on any child coming into care (not the in depth on, the screen))

then if the child isn't already in therapy she should be and see if your area has a child abuse or advocacy center as they tend do a much better job then the run of the mill therapy place..

it is part of the requirements here to do age appropriate sex abuse education and AIDS awarness (even a two year old were are supposed to tell them not to touch blood and about private parts)

if you don't like parts of the book don't read her those

there are so many books out there now and libraries around here have lots, so it isn't hard to find a new one

also document, document what the child is doing, video or audio tape her explaining the up and down game....tell her SW all about it and your concerns and ask the SW what book or materials should be used with the child..