"Playing doctor" is a phrase used colloquially in the western world to refer to children examining each other's genitals. It originates from children using the pretend roles of doctor and patient as a pretext for such an examination. Nevertheless, whether or not such role playing is actually involved, the phrase is still used to refer to any similar examination.
Playing doctor is considered by most child psychologists to be a normal step in childhood sexual development between the ages of approximately three and six years, so long as all parties are willing participants and relatively close in age. It can be a source of discomfort to some parents to discover their children are engaging in such an activity. Parenting professionals often advise parents to view such a discovery as an opportunity to calmly teach their children about the differences between the sexes, personal privacy, and respecting the privacy of other children.
Adults also use the phrase facetiously in similar reference, to refer to adult sexual activity.
Famous quotes containing the words playing and/or doctor:
“I have often been asked why I am so fond of playing male parts.... As a matter of fact, it is not male parts, but male brains that I prefer.”
—Sarah Bernhardt (1845–1923)
“And still we wear our uniforms, follow
The cracked cry of the bugles, comb and brush
Our pride and prejudice, doctor the sallow
Initial ardor, wish to keep it fresh.
Still we applaud the President’s voice and face.”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)