Your Kid Caught You in the Act, What Now?

A possible scenario that is commonly feared by most parents is having their child catch them during the act of sexual intercourse.  Of course, the first thing that would come across your mind is how your child would react on what he/she saw and whether it would be traumatic for them?

The way children handle this situation can depend on several factors. One is the age group that they belong to and two is the degree of preparation that their parents have given them about sexuality.

Children from various age groups may react differently to such situation. A toddler may be more concerned if his/her parents are being hurt based on the sound and actions that were observed. Meanwhile, a preschooler assuming the role of a young scientist is most concerned in deciphering all the details about the said event. A school age child on the other hand may either think that the situation is weird or be grossed out with what he/she has observed from his/her parents.

In order to avoid such compromising circumstances, parents should always remember to lock their bedroom doors.  However, if it is too late and the damage has been done, parents should talk to their child in a matter-of-fact manner and tell them that they are having some private time together and some “alone time” is very much appreciated.

When parents provide their children with information about sexuality gradually, like how babies are made or why mom and dad needs some alone time etc., children are most likely to understand the situation.

Although the said scenario may be very embarrassing to them initially, in the long run, the child is more likely to distinguish his/her parents need for intimacy as a part of expressing their love with each other. Such experience would not be as upsetting on their part as a deeper understanding about their parent’s love with each other, together with its physical manifestations, is developed.