Sex Ed for Young Children

For starters, I'd find out (if you don't already know) where he was watching that movie, and then I'd not allow him to spend time there/with that person anymore, unsupervised by me.

Yes, same-age exploration is very normal and not a big concern. We (as adults) think "Aaahhh!!! SEX!!!!" when children are simply thinking about the physical sensations their bodies have - let's face it: some parts of your body feel good when you touch them. This is physical, not sexual - those thoughts and feelings develop as children age. Concentrate on the age-appropriate advice now (sounds like you are, already) - Private parts are private, we don't take our pants off with other people - whatever you're comfortable with.

Don't overreact or he will pick up the message that his body is something to be ashamed of and he will feel he's done something wrong but won't know exactly what.

Make this about privacy, rather than sex. Have dad talk to him about how if he wants to touch himself there, he should do it in his bedroom and not with friends. A general rule some families use (and some kids' books reinforce) is the idea of "any part of you that a bathing suit would cover is a part that is private and just for you, mom or dad, or the doctor to see or touch." That's a pretty good way to help a young kid understand just what areas are private.

Do not over-talk what he saw in the movie but I would ask the other child's parents (if he saw that movie or show at this kid's house -- it's not clear from the post) what that movie was or if the boys were unsupervised around the TV and maybe came across something. If he is accurately portraying what he saw on TV (and kids his age do get things mixed up), I would ensure that play dates are held at our place from now on, unless the parents have a good explanation. But please do not leap to the idea that he's been molested! It's normal for all kids to check out their own body parts, even with kids of the same gender around. Yep, make it about privacy and not about sex, for now.

Young children are naturally curious about their own bodies as well as other children's bodies. It doesn't sound like they were doing anything sexual, just being curious.
You were right in addressing it and explaining that you need to keep him safe. Explain that while he may be curious about his body, he should not be showing his private parts to his friends.
Keep an eye on them and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Exploring is so normal at this age. Kids are beginning to hear "private parts," but they don't fully understand. The boys were most likely just pulling down their pants because they were curious or they know they're really not supposed to and thought it would be funny.

Potty humor is just so big at this age. My 7 year old thinks it's so funny to talk about butts or to pull down his pants and moon someone. He's only done it a couple of times, but even joking about it is just hilarious to him. It's really annoying, but we just try to be consistent, remind him about private parts and appropriate conversations and behaviors.

I would love to say he will grow out of it, but really, do guys ever completely grow out of this? I mean, they still think farts are funny and crack jokes, right?

It's very important to talk about keeping your private parts private and what topics are not considered polite.

Try not to overreact. They weren't doing anything sexual. They don't even know what that means. They were just being curious. It's important to teach them that this is not appropriate and definitely something they should not be doing, but don't freak out and start thinking beyond their years. They are 5. They are not exploring in a sexual way.

We started communication very early with our daughter and it has to continue throughout the years because it is not a one time discussion.

It does sound like you addressed it pretty well in letting him know he is not in trouble. The last thing he needs to interpret is that he did something very wrong and dirty because that could scar him sexually. At the same time, he needs to know that is something in the privacy of his own room alone. What he did was normal, he just wasn't doing it in the proper environment. I agree with stressing private parts are private.

Do you have any idea what movie he is talking about? I would monitor the movies a little more closely if he tends to act out something that looks fun.

Good luck to you!

If they were just comparing notes, I'd tell him simply, "The parts of your body covered by your bathing suit are private and not something to be shown to other people. An exception is mommy and daddy or a doctor if mommy and daddy are there." That is basically how we explained it to DD (and what her pediatrician tells her.) We tell DD that she needs to wear a top and bottoms and not flash her underwear in public - and that includes putting on shorts when company is here. SS's friend does not need to see her Hello Kitty underpants.

Just this week I had a bunch of little girls playing dress up and they totally stripped off to put on dresses. I simply said that they needed to keep their underwear on. Those that kept their swimsuits on were encouraged to just continue to wear those underneath.

I would be much more concerned if they were playing with each other, but it doesn't sound that way.

However, what movie did he watch and where did he watch it? THAT might be the bigger issue here.

Sounds like you addressed it well... but you also need to monitor what your child is watching on TV. At five, he really shouldn't be watching movies with boys and girls in the shower together.

Dont make a big deal out of the masterbation, let him know that is normal and okay, but that it is something that should be done in private. as for the movie, discuss it with him and just keep things age appropriate.

Tell him that touching oneself is fine, but one does it in private, alone. Where did he see the shower scene? That's what I'd be wondering.