Is it normal for a 3 year old boy to throw a fit for his mother to take her shirt off?

Question

he always tells her "I want boobies" and constantly rubs her chest and has tantrums if she doesnt take her shirt off and let him rub her chest. Is this ok? Or is this a bad behavor for a three year old boy?

Answer 1

That sounds a little creepy to me.

Answer 2

If he's still nursing (and I think there is nothing wrong with a toddler nursing - it's a mother's right to decide when to wean) then it's normal when the child is at home and wants "boobies". But the kid needs to be taught manners that he should not scream or demand this in public - he can ask politely but tantrums is just a behavior thing. All 3 yr old shave them so I wouldn't be surprised, but still needs to be addressed. The same is true of all of this if he recently weaned - because maybe he misses it - so its harder to get him to stop asking.

All in all - I dont see an issue with it except for the behavioral/manners part.

Answer 3

If she is still or has just recently stopped nursing him, then yes it is normal. It is the same difference as him throwing a fit for a bottle. He is not being "perverted" etc. He just knows that "mom's boobies are a comfort object, and even rubbing her chest gets him close enough to be comforted. She should work on weaning him from this activity. Maybe give him a stuffed animal to hold and rub on when he needs comfort. or just hold him and tell him, mommy can hold you but only with her shirt on. Wish her luck. it will be tough on him and her.

Answer 4

To tell you the truth it is normal for a three year old to throw a tantrum over anything ..and i mean anything...but this whole boobies thing is a little off..ya might wanna see some body..or he could be thinking of the time back when he was breast feeding *shrugs* still and all go see someone about that..it is bad behavior

Answer 5

I would definitely let the 3-year-old know that mom's boobies are off limits and let him tantrum. He needs to be taught what is appropriate and inappropriate. I'm sure that you do not want him doing this to other care givers. Do work on giving affection in appropriate ways with lots of hugs and kisses.

You may want to have him evaluated by a child psychologist to see if there may be other problems particularly if teaching him that mom's boobies are off limits doesn't work. There may be something wrong that could be corrected if caught early.

Answer 6

However it is, the why's and wherefore's, we could debate until the hot sun of summer comes, but this three year old boy must stop that behavior. It will only get worse. I am wondering what types of influences are in his life that would put that in his little brain, if there are influences. Perhaps doesn't apply here, but I have seen the awful result when children get into their Dad's Playboys. Their little senses are overwhelmed and they become addicted. Our neighbor, years ago, had an awful time with their son as a result of that very thing. I remember when that kid saw the mail man walking to his house, his eagle eyes would scan for his Dad's Playboys. When he saw them he ran out to the mail man and pulled at the magazine like a crazed heroin addict. He was 11 at the time. His mom would come out and she was so embarrassed, and pull her son away. I remember the mail man telling her that her son had a very big problem and needed counseling. That family moved away, and I never knew what happened with that boy. He is a man now.

Answer 7

Three year olds are curious about body parts regardless. My daughter is almost three and will sometimes poke my breasts and bust out laughing (yes, even in social situations...very embarrasing). I realize that when I don't laugh back, she doesn't do it again. (the first few times I turned beet red and laughed too).
I don't understand why your son has tantrums over your wifes breasts, but does he have tantrums normally about things he don't get? If so, I wouldn't worry about it. He's just being three. One thing your wife can do to stop this is to quit letting him touch her. I know its easy to give into the screaming but your the parent, not him. Explain to him why its inappropriate. Tell him that those are mommy's and that they are private. Let him scream, let him throw tantrums but eventually he will get tired and give up. After a few times, (maybe more depending on his stubborness), he'll figure out that mommy isn't going to let him rub her chest. Just be consistant. No is no.
Hope this helps

Answer 8

He is certainly old enough to be taught that everyone's body is their own and that no one should touch another's body without permission.

He should be taught about the right to privacy-- for him and everyone else.

If he has a tantrum, let him ---just walk away and let him calm down on his own.

Remind him when he calms down that he can't touch his mother's "private" parts ( anything that could be covered by a swim suit)

If this continues, you might want to see a professional.

Answer 9

It happens ,I have seen little boys and girls who rub their mothers chest and touch her boobies, it takes a while then goes away ,probably when the child starts to go to nursery and mix with other kids so dont worry,try to explain to him it is wrong and distract him,I have seen it happen,dont worry.

Answer 10

This is odd. If he was breastfed for a long time that could explain it, but she should still tell him no. I am sure there is nothing sexual about it. He may also just be curious. She should try to stop this behavior, even though I'd bet it's not anything morally wrong going on.

Answer 11

Was he breast fed ?

She should try telling him he is getting to big now for "boobies" and big boys drink from a cup. Take him to buy a "special big boy cup" and see if anything changes.

Hope this helps. Happy 2007