I previously asked about inappropriate touch I engaged in when I was 9. I realize I didn't share the full picture. When I was younger, my brother and I kissed inappropriately a few times. An adult saw us and told us to stop, and it didn't happen again. During this same time, I tried to kiss my parent in a similar way and was told it wasn't appropriate. I remember later telling my brother we weren't allowed to do that when he tried again. I'm feeling guilty about not sharing this whole truth before and have an overwhelming sense that I'm a horrible person. How do I move forward?

Thank you for reaching out to us again. What you're describing doesn't change the core truth from your previous question - you were a child exploring boundaries without adult understanding or intent.

At seven years old, children naturally explore relationships and social norms through curiosity. The behaviors you describe are common childhood exploration, which is why the adults in your life responded with gentle correction rather than alarm. Most importantly, you internalized those boundaries and even guided your brother when he tried again, showing healthy development and respect for rules.

The guilt you're carrying now reflects the caring person you've become, but you're applying adult moral reasoning to childhood actions that were developmentally normal. Children who engage in sexual behaviors aren't "bad" children - they're children processing their experiences and learning boundaries. The shame belongs to any circumstances that may have influenced these behaviors, not to you as a person.

If these feelings continue to overwhelm you, a trauma-informed counselor can provide personalized support for processing these complex emotions. You deserve to move forward without carrying shame for childhood misunderstandings that don't define your worth. Be gentle with yourself - you're not a horrible person, and it's okay to let go of this guilt.