touching privates

[RCT]

I am not really concerned, but thought I would ask for my dhs' peace of mind....dd who is 3 1/2 has started to touch her privates in our front of us...LOL...she might lay down on her tummy and put her hands under her, and just touch herself, which I am not sure she is but it looks that way, and also she will walk around holding her privates, when asked if she needs to use the bathroom she says, matter of factly I might add, No.....this is normal right? she doesn't touch herself blatenly....or nasty like at all....and never does this is front of anyone but dh, me and our son.....she will out grow this I say, ds did this with his ***** when he was about the same age....just an age and stage thing or should I be concerned....

[KarlaB]

I think it is just a normal stage. Ds did the same thing for a while and when asked if he had to go to the bathroom would also say "No". I don't think it's anything to worry about.

[Diane]

He's being perfectly normal Renee... they go through the age where they "explore" themselves. I've got one little one now (2) who is constantly sticking her hands in her diaper. I'm always removing it because sometimes she'll do it as/after she's gone "oopy". If you don't "catch/smell" it quick enough... you're in trouble! LOL I've had others in the past too who has gone through this stage. I "try" not to make too big of a deal about it but seeing their in a day care setting it's a little harder to allow. I wouldn't worry about it though. :)

Diane P.~

[RCT]

funny he wasn't concerned when ds did the same thing...guess he understood that equipment....not that I have any memeories of doing that as a young child....LOL...thanks for your support and understanding...

[Amy2]

RCT~ Yes, touching one's self is very normal. One time ds had his hands in his pants and I asked if he had to go to the bathroom and he said "No, I'm just holding it." I thought oh, okay. Straight forward and honest. That's good.

What stood out to me in your post that I wanted to address is when you said she wasn't doing anything "nasty." I assume what you were talking about was masturbation, and I don't think masturbation is "nasty," though it is something that should be done in private. I think if you imply to a child that it is in some way bad, they will feel ashamed of their bodies and of themselves. And if you think about it, she is touching herself because it feels good to her, and though she is not attempting to reach orgasm, it's pretty close to the same thing.

A friend said to me one time, when I asked her how you know when to stop being naked in front of a child, she said when either one of you is uncomfortable. For any reason. I think this is true here too. If you or anyone in your family is uncomfortable with your daughter touching herself, then she can be told "Our bodies are private" or "When you touch yourself, please go in your room" or whatever.

Or, as you said, you can just ignore it, and it will probably pass. For now.

Amy

[RCT]

I had to laugh, it did sound like I meant masturbation ( Which I find totally normal, especially at this age....exploration and all.....no not at all, actually, I meant nasty like in maybe she had poop or something in her pants and was touching it...she has been starting to pick her nose lately, and well, I think that in itself is nasty...so when I saw her hand in her pants, you get the idea, usually she would just hold herself outside of her pants.....

As for the privicy issue, this little one of mine needs privacy to use the potty she needs the door closed and on occassion will invite you in, usually if she needs help with the wiping.....she is usually very discreat (sp) about things like gas, and potty stuff....this is just a case of daddy doesn't have the same equipment....LOL...so he's not sure what's going on.....

[Amy2]

RCT that is so funny. My DS used to make me come in the bathroom with him when he pooped, but he made me turn my head! I'd have to sit in there and stare at the wall!

[kat]

this little one of mine needs privacy
My youngest also insisted on his "pribacy" when he was little.

Renee, I think this stage is perfectly normal. Sometimes it lasts a long time though. I know this year I have 3 little girls who do this at nap time. They will usually wad up their mats and put them under their pelvis. I have to keep reminding them to spread out their mats and keep them flat.

[MK]

Aah, the uninhibited innocence of childhood! The other night ds #1 tucked his little brother in bed (age 5), all nice an comfy. Then they invited me in to see the great brotherly accomplishment. I commented on how comfy he looked, and he remarked, "I'm so comfortable I'm rubbing myself!" I just about died from containing the laughter. Instead I (as casually as I could) remarked, "ahem, that isn't really something you want to announce to everyone." Then I said goodnight cheerfully and ran so I could laugh unnoticed.

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by MK
Aah, the uninhibited innocence of childhood! The other night ds #1 tucked his little brother in bed (age 5), all nice an comfy. Then they invited me in to see the great brotherly accomplishment. I commented on how comfy he looked, and he remarked, "I'm so comfortable I'm rubbing myself!" I just about died from containing the laughter. Instead I (as casually as I could) remarked, "ahem, that isn't really something you want to announce to everyone." Then I said goodnight cheerfully and ran so I could laugh unnoticed.

ROFLMBO! Oh, the innocence of children!! :)

[Ryleigh]

How funny! :lol:
It'a amazing what they will come out with sometimes.