I need advice on something because I’m freaking out. Anxiety is sky high and I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I was taking my kids to get soMe ice cream and my 3-year old son was being super goofy and silly. He’s in a stage where bathroom humor (poop, pee, butt, pee pee) is just his favorite thing. He said, “Grandpa showed me his pee pee!”and he was laughing and giggling. My daughter is 6 and said, “No he didn’t!” I asked her again when we got home and again she said her brother was just being goofy and it never happened. I immediately spiked because sexual abuse of my kids is my nightmare. Add to that that my dad (their grandpa) is my best friend, one of my biggest supporters with my mental health and just a really decent man. This does not fit into who he is at all; he’s basically the opposite of a predator. I told my husband, who immediately said, “This sounds like your OCD acting up and playing on your biggest fears. This doesn’t fit your dad or his values,” I took my emergency anxiety meds and I’m trying to sit with it and let it go. Should I talk to my dad? Should I chalk this up to OCD trying to mess me up?

I should also add that about a month ago, my son made up a story about a teacher at daycare hitting him. This teacher was never in my son’s classroom, and it ended up being a story he totally made up.

First, take some deep breaths. It may help to focus on blowing air out rather than on inhaling. Nothing needs to be done or decided until you're calmer. I can understand why you're distressed. OCD aside, that's a upsetting thing to hear your child say. It's clear you love your children deeply. You've already talked with your husband to get his perspective. That's good. If it were me, my next step would be to start or continue conversations with your son about "private parts" using correct terminology so that he understands what is and isn't ok. I've got resource links if you want them- my job is in early childhood mental health and this is something I talk with parents about a lot.

The other thing that is messing with me is that my maternal grandfather WAS a child predator (specifically to my mom and her two younger sisters), and a terrible person. My dad hated him, and I watched him go off on someone who tried to say he was a good man. He was so upset he was crying and red faced, which is also outside his character as he’s usually very gentle and kind, rarely raising his voice.

And yes, my kids are my whole world. I love them so very much and would literally do anything to keep them safe.

The tsunami of confusing emotions you are going through is understandable. As there is this “ possible” world claimed by your son which is so scary. And then there is another world which you witnessed all your life where your father is an antithesis of a child abuser. And then you have your parental protective instincts and value where you don’t want to falter as parent. They together are putting tremendous pressure on you. One thing seems to be sure that your son is in ok space as he is laughing and perhaps enjoying the attention. Seems it’s all about holding your horses and not reacting for some more time before your son comes and tells another version. He seems to be happy and safe. I get it another thought would be that kids can be happy in dangerous situation too. But it’s about respecting instincts of your son for some more time. If he was threatened he would not laugh and enjoy at this moment. Unfortunately before you can “rescue “ your kid from this situation ( real or perceived) . You need to rescue yourself by taking some time and support- maybe from your husband and others before handling this situation. It’s not a great space to be in, but it’s seems to be a rational approach at this time. Keep a close eye on your physical sensations. Try and be aware of them , else there is a danger of blowing up. Try to calm yourself down using breathing, exercise or other techniques. Writing everything down would be another excellent technique. Take care

P.s. I have 2 kids. One is naughtier than other. Have strong value of to be a good parent. Have had troubled childhood. Love my own parents. Wa suspicious of the fact that my father would ill treat my kids as did to myself. So life was challenging as I had this “additional responsibility “ of protecting my kids from this perceived threat. I understand the pressure you are in.

My husband thinks this is my son’s natural curiosity about his body and others. Our bathroom doors don’t lock, and he often walks in on one of us using the bathroom. We’ve explained the bathroom is a private place, but he still comes in often. He thinks he walked in on my dad using the bathroom or maybe as he was dressing.

Very useful understanding of the situation it seems.

Regardless of what happened, I recognize that I will never truly know what happened, if anything at all. I am trying to accept that, and also acknowledge that as his parent, I hold the power to protect him. If this becomes something we learn is more devious and he is a predator, I can keep him safe and away from that threat. Regardless, my son is in no immediate danger and is safe and loved at this moment.