We will interpret people's behaviour from our own filters.

Kids will not have adult motives... they will have kid motives.

The best way to find out what some one is thinking is to talk to them about it. But again... kids (and adults) may have trouble putting words to what they are feeling.

From my own experience, kids like to explore. This is true in relationships as much as anywhere. They experiment with different types of touching and see how adults react to them. This is how they learn boundaries. I've had my kids touch me in very inappropriate ways when they were quite young. As a parent I have had to say... "don't do that... its not apporpriate"... just like I have to teach them boundaries in any area.

I don't think it would be very common for a kid to be thinking about initiating anything sexual... or even romantic with an adult. If they did I would imagine its because they have some prior experience or knowledge.

In my oppinion... kids will just give affection quite innocently and sometimes provokatively.... its up to the adults to show them what is appropriate and healthy.

Cat.