2006-09-30 12:57:10 · 16 answers · asked by shawnnajohnny 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I think it's a pretty natural curiosity for a four year old, however this is the right time to start teaching about appropriate touching, and private parts. And where it is okay to touch his private parts, (bathroom, bedroom) and that it is not okay for other people to touch his private parts, just like he shouldn't touch other people's private parts. They will get it. although a few reminders will probably be necessary.
2006-09-30 13:03:37 · answer #1 · answered by rimples25 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think it is that common.
I mean for this boy to take another child's hand and put it over his private area suggests to me that someone has done the same to the 4 year old boy. It may have been another child or it may just be that the 4 year old boy is really very proud of his privates. It could be nothing or it could be something...
I would think that you would not want to make too big a deal out of it. Remind the child why his privates are called private! If he was my son I would ask him if anyone else has touched his privates and if he said yes I would call my pediatrician and go from there.
2006-09-30 23:58:12 · answer #2 · answered by Sister Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's more common than you think. The four year old is hitting that stage about the difference between boys and girls. And might also be comparing their parts with the same sex. I don't suggest the birds and the bees talk at this age, but some sort of talking to would be good. I wish I could tell you more, but I am no expert by any means. I wish you luck with this situation.
2006-09-30 20:06:35 · answer #3 · answered by Pay-Pay's mom 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not have a 4 year old so my opinion may not be worth much, but it seems to me like everybody is jumping the gun on the abuse issue. "Playing doctor" is pretty common at that age. I've heard it's not at all uncommon to find kids at this age undressed and checking out the kids' equipment. This sounds like another possible expression of that.
Just to put your mind at rest, I'd ask him about the incident. Be careful not to plant the suggestiong. Start by saying "I saw you do so and so. Why did you do that?" Try to draw him out and not be accusatory. After your satisfied, just tell him it's not appropriate to touch that way, but don't make a big deal about it or make him feel like a pervert at 4.
2006-10-01 00:20:56 · answer #4 · answered by LilyRT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it IS 100% normal for a toddler to explore the area or have someone else explore it for him. Girls do it as well as boys... reason being that just like adults it feels good. The difference between them and adults is that they don't understand WHY it feels good. The link below explains in complete detail why they do it and how to stop it but long story short it's normal and all you have to do is explain to him why he can't do that and get him to occupy his time with other things.
2006-10-04 15:44:15 · answer #5 · answered by Lena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not normal, but I would talk to the 4-year-old first before you get too upset at him. If there was abuse, chances are, he will tell you. If he's seen adults behave this way, ask him who it was, and why he felt this was ok for him to do. Kids are pretty honest, but if his answers are inconclusive, I would talk to his doctor.
2006-09-30 20:06:16 · answer #6 · answered by Caelan's mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to teach him not to do that. Try not to yell. I don't think that that's normal. Ask a professional. If the child goes to pre school of nursery find out what's going on there.
2006-09-30 20:00:45 · answer #7 · answered by Cori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually it IS normal for kids to explore....dont stress but if more things start to happen then seek advice.....The 4 yr old must have seen something on tv or mom and dad or whatever...abuse is more like anger and wanting to hurt others and cause harm to anything. mom of a 5 yr old son. and a baby girl
2006-09-30 20:05:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
NOT common. The four year old has to have seen someone do that to someone else. I would be concerned. Either they have seen something they shouldn't have seen or something has happened to them. You might want to keep an eye on them and look into this.
2006-09-30 20:01:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sorry to say that the child needs major help and is seeing something that he shouldn't and you need to find the cause of this. It is very unacceptable for any child at any age to do this, it means that there is something going on that shouldn't.
2006-09-30 20:00:10 · answer #10 · answered by medevilqueen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋