How would you treat the situation if you found out your son or daughter was playing doctor with another friend the same age?

Can you clarify what age, and what exactly the “playing doctor” entailed?

How old are they?

Playing doctor generally involves nudity.

If they are little then you simply tell them to get dressed and explain that “playing doctor” is not an acceptable activity. Then give them something more appropriate to do, like break out coloring books and crayons.

If they are old enough to think they know what they are doing, you tell them to stop it, send the other one home, and then explain the birds and bees, acceptable standards of behavior and consequences for doing otherwise to your child.

If they are over 18, tell them to get a room.

I think it would be time for a discussion. Just a simple No-Shame conversation. No-Shame is important. We keep our hands (and whatever) off where bathing suits cover type of thing. If they are a bit older still no-shame but you may need to have a more in depth conversation. Either way a talk needs to happen. Some kids remember these things when they are older and get quite confused if no one talks to them about it.
And of course keep an eye on them next time they are playing just to make sure there is nothing inappropriate going on, that it was just innocent.

I also know that some kids who come from backgrounds of abuse tend to influence other kids to do things that may be age inappropriate. So I would keep an eye out on the friend and watch for abuse. Just in case. You just never know who could be experiencing it.

@Empresspixie

Let’s say 6–7

6 or 7 yr olds can handle a No-Shame talk. You know the kids will keep on playing doctor but will be thinking about it a little differently, maybe more cautiously such as not playing with ‘older’ kids.

At 6 to 7 they get a simplified version of the birds and bees, acceptable standards of behavior, and consequences for doing otherwise. Since many little girls these days start their periods as young as ages 8 or 9, kids in that age group need to know what they are risking and why “private parts” are private.

What 6–7 year old doesn’t play doctor? I did. It’s normal. Give your kid “the talk.”