my little sister is 3 yrs old and is touching herself, am a bit worried that they is a reason behind this as neither my sister or me did it at her age...i want to ask my mum if she could be getting touched or if someone is telling her its normal and i dont know what to do pleae help!
2007-10-15 09:27:28 · 38 answers · asked by laura p 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
She just found her body. Its perfectly normal, bit embarassing, but normal.
2007-10-15 09:31:26 · answer #1 · answered by your_gurl_leah 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on how she is 'touching herself' - if it seems to be somewhat sexual then you might have a problem - she would only learn this type of behavior from someone violating her.
However, she may have an itch or just may be 'playing' with herself. I know many boys do this when hit 3 or 4 - it's a stage of exploration into their bodies. You may want to point it out to your Mom. I would be careful in how you approach your Mom. You do not want to go in accusing anyone you know of molesting your sister - but if something inappropriate is happening to your sister it's incredibly important that you get help now!!
You are being a great sister for looking out for her!
2007-10-15 09:33:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how she is touching her self. Self-exploration is normal at this age. You probably did it too but don't remember because there was nothing to it..you were just checking out the "unseen". If your sister seems to have some sexual gestures behind her touching, that would be a reason to be concerned. I think it's probably best to mention it to your mum so she can keep an eye on it.
2007-10-15 09:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Astarte 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really normal inof itself. They discover quite by accident that -ooh - that feels good, and that's all they know. You'll probably notice that she does it when she's maybe watching TV, or trying to fall asleep. As long as nothing else has changed, I wouldn't worry. If you have noticed other things, than this might be one peice to the puzzle and worth more concern.
Just distract her, and when I notice my daughter doing it I just say "hands up." Although I'm not morally concerned, I am concerned about hygeine.
I also tried to have her wear things as often as possible where she couldn't "get to herself." It got really bad the summer she was 3 and wearing shorts, etc. Once winter hit she nearly broke the habit and it hasn't really been a problem since. Jeans, tights, and all-in-one sleepers made a big difference :).
2007-10-15 09:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by apbanpos 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal for her to touch herself,she is curious as to what is down there,my 3 year old niece always touches herself.Don't tell her its naughty just take her hand away and carry on as normal,don't make a big deal of it in front of her as she will think she is doing something wrong.
2007-10-15 09:33:51 · answer #5 · answered by Dooby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be very wrong to just assume either way, yeah it's normal or no it's not. A call or a visit to a professional is called for just to make sure everything is ok, you can call childline and explain they will give you good help/advice, or a school nurse/health visitor/doctor etc. You are a very good person to notice these signs and want to do something for reassurance, you should progress to working with children
2007-10-16 01:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 4 year old daughter and I think that it's perfectly normal for little girls to "explore" their bodies. She will touching herself and not even notice herself doing it. It's a natural thing that every little girl does.
2007-10-15 15:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by alexswife21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter still does that and shes 5..she doesnt touch her self but she does rub herself on the carpet and its gross..but we've taking her to the doctors and everyone says its normal and nothing is wrong with her and no one's touched her to just distract her when it happens. She told us that little kids don't know what they are doing thaty just know something makes them feel differen when they touch it..It's just a curiosity.
2007-10-16 09:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by cutenwild1769 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably something she will grow out of.
My daughters school made a big fuss of this behaviour when she was in reception class. I investigated it, took her to the Doc and a child psychologist, and they all told me I was making too much fuss and drawing too much attention to it.
Don't acknowledge it, but keep an eye on it, I'm sure all will be well.
2007-10-15 09:33:34 · answer #9 · answered by Bum Gravy. 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't worry this sort of thing is totally normal, its about that age which children start to discover their intimate parts. in fact it is probably better that she learns to be comfortable with her sexuality than repress such feelings and develop complexes about all things sex related later on.
also, think about little boys and how often they feel the need to put their hands down their trousers.. that starts at a young and it worse for boys because they don't really outgrow it, whereas girls can at least learn to control their urges.
2007-10-15 09:34:12 · answer #10 · answered by Ella L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This behaviour is completely normal. Most children do it at some point. I used to joke with my little boys that it would break if they kept playing with it! Try gently distracting her from doing it and don't make a big deal of it.
2007-10-15 09:33:27 · answer #11 · answered by lilmissdisorganised 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋