Hi, My 3 1/2 year old daughter has been using her hands to press on her genital area. This is been ongoing for some time. I spoke with the Doctor and he said that it is normal, but I am not big on Doctors opinions. I have a few questions; Is this normal? how long will this behavior last? and what do I say to her about this behavior?
2007-09-22 14:21:42 · 15 answers · asked by Paul B 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Its very normal! You have to think, children are born in this world completely "new" and dont really know much of anything. you just think its weird because you're familiar with sexuality. She is just discovering that she has girl "parts", even if she doesnt know what that means yet. Its totally instinctual, i have 2 daughters and they did the same thing for a while. Please dont worry. your only job is to teach her, in a very tender manner, that there are some places where touching certain places are not appropriate. And trust me it will not last for too much longer, once she gets use to her body parts she'll forget about them. Kinda like a new car...all the cool features are great at first but you eventually get use to them:)
2007-09-22 14:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your daughter's behavior is quite normal. At some point, a young child will discover their genitals, and discover that touching them feels good. Ideally, you should not make a big deal about it. Eventually, the novelty will wear off as she discovers new things to be interested in. How long will that take? I couldn't tell you. Every child is different. If you make a big deal about it, or yell at her for it, you can stigmatize her for the future.
If you feel the neeed to say anything, I would be as frank and open as possible and appropriate as can be for a 3 year old. I would teach your daughter the word vagina, and explain that it is ok to touch, as long as she is at home. I would explain to her that it's something private, and therefore, if she is outside the house, she shouldn't do it. Also, I would let her know that since her vagina is private, nobody else should touch it, except for maybe mommy if she is taking a bath, or a doctor if she is getting a checkup. Of course I wouldn't encourage the activity, I just wouldn't make it something to be embarrassed about or feel ashamed about.
2007-09-22 15:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is normal!!! And the behavior might last her whole life...she has just discovered that it feels good to touch her genitals. I have a six year old who occasionally still touches herself. We talk about it, in the context that it her private parts, not to be touched by others, shown to others, and its okay to touch but it is a private thing, not at school or with others around. There is no shame attached to her body. Good luck.
2007-09-22 14:30:12 · answer #3 · answered by momoftwo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perfectly normal, and don't make a big deal out of it. If she's doing it out it out in public she may be old enough to be told that is something she does in her room or at home, not out at a resturant or store something to that effect. It'll last as long as the novelty of it interests her, she is only 3 and a half, and this is a new feeling she is exploring, everything is fine!
2007-09-22 14:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by Zyggy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its normal she is just discovering that she has a perineum. If you fuss about it is will create a negative image.
She might also be touching there when she needs to go to the toilet so watch the signs.
If you notice her doing it and you dont like it distract her to do or think of something else.
2007-09-22 14:28:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor is correct. It is perfectly normal for young children to touch themselves as they discover their body. And masturbation is actualy perfectly normal and healthy as well for both genders, -it is not any sign of future unhealthy or risky sexual behavior.
2007-09-22 14:29:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is entirely normal for young children to explore their bodies. You might start enforcing the belief that certain activities, such as touching herself there, is only appropriate in certain places and not in public.
2007-09-22 14:35:27 · answer #7 · answered by Cara D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is completely normal. Just ignore it and it will go away. My daughter would do the same and I would just ignore it. She no longer does that. My son 1 yr and he is doing the same thing. I just let him be.
2007-09-22 16:51:50 · answer #8 · answered by Grumpy2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its normal my 31/2 year old son plays with his "weenier" all the time =) no worries
2007-09-22 14:32:03 · answer #9 · answered by Cassie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Girl Touching Her Vagina
2016-10-13 23:26:49 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋