What separates an innocent hug from an aggressive grab? What about a kiss on the cheek and pulling a girl's ponytail? Teach your child to understand the difference between good and bad touching.

The line between acceptable behavior and sexual harassment can be confusing for young children, as seen in the case of a six-year-old boy in Brockton, Massachusetts, who put his fingers in a female classmate's waistband. The incident has since been blasted over local and national news, turning up sensationalized headlines like CNN's, "First-grader suspended for sex harassment."

"In this litigious society, we tend to grossly overreact," says Sheri Menelli, author of Journey Into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth. The little boy that inappropriately touched his classmate in Massachusetts could have been sat down and talked to. Did school counselors explain why what he did was wrong? Could such a young child understand the meaning of "sexual harassment"?

Possibly. But only if a parent, teacher, or counselor explains what is acceptable touching and what is off limits. Every child should know what's OK and what's not. Have you talked with your child about what is expected of him/her in school?

Talking to Your Child About Touching

While it is certainly difficult to believe that a five-year-old is capable of sexual harassment, there is a lesson to be learned from situations such as these: keep your hands to yourself. How can you, as a parent, teach your child the difference between a good touch and a bad touch?

• Be Open: There's no use in scaring your kids. Just be honest and explain where it is OK to touch someone and where it is not. Establish what private parts are and that no one should touch them there.
• Understand Their Age: Children of a young age are not sexual predators. No matter what the media would like you to believe, they are not seeking sexual gratification from the touching of others. While being touched in a manner that is inappropriate should not be ignored, it is important to see these touches in perspective of your child and her playmates' developmental state.