My Nephew keeps touching himself (orphaned, boy, son, elementary school)

[denverian]

Originally Posted by sinsativ

Ladies, I dont know about all this, I never did at five, and raised twin boys, that are now 19, touching themselves at 5, masturbating? no, maybe at 12, 14 yes, but 5, no, sorry to disagree. its just scratching, boredom, tell them its inappropriate, not polite. make them do something else to keep them busy, they are bored, fidgeting, their hands reach there, if they reached their feet, they would be playing with their toes. Tell them to take the dog for a walk, ride a bike, keep them busy, and they will forget about being bored.

BTW, its not perverted, they dont even know the feelings.

That's what I was thinking. At that age, you can't ejaculate. I'm a man and don't remember doing anything like that at such a young age. But I wouldn't demonize the kid for touching himself either.

[2girlsand2boys]

It is perfectly normal-- it feels good so he wants to touch it!
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[314char]

So I found my 4yr old son humping the floor in the TV room not major action but ya. So I wasn't sure (diddnt want to think he was ) but after asking my kids doctor he said it was normal but now I face the issue of telling him to take it somewhere elts witch it ok but here is my question should I tell him about hands or let him keep useing the floor. I tryed talking to my husband but he dosent even want to talk about the subject so its on my hands and I'm clueless. I never thought I would have to face this subject so soon lol p.s thank you for all the above stories it help ease this topic

[heathernichole]

I'm going through this with my 5 yr old daughter. She also doesn't touch other people. I've explained to her there are times and places where it's ok to "explore" her body, but she still does it in the the living room, at other people's houses...it's ridiculous! She's ADHD and possibly Bipolar (her therapist FIRMLY believes she is Bipolar) and apparently it's called hypersexuality and it's part of Bipolar disorder. I don't think this is necessarily the case for all children or anything, but given my daughter's other problems, I am really thinking her therapist is right about her.

I think making a huge deal out of it makes them want to do it more, so you just have to keep telling them it's ok to do when they are by themselves in their own room, but not in front of others. And try to make sure you get them to ask any questions they might have. It seems to be helping a bit with her being open about it, but I never ever thought I'd have to talk to my 5 yr old daughter about something like this so early!! I don't remember ever having interests in that even at 10 or 11!

[cislga]

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I like many other poster have told my son it's a private place and he need to only touch it in private places.

[rockinmomma]

When I worked in a preschool, there were appoximately 25% of the kids would play Al Bundy (hands down the pants) Some kids start discovering their nether regions duing potty training. We had one girl who, during naptime, would scratch that particular itch with her blankie. It is something usually associated with boys, but we had our share of girls who explored.

Nap girl... we just put her mat in a less obious area and let her be.... she just flat out couldn't go to sleep.... it had become a habit. In other cases we'd ask "so and so.... do you need to go potty?" if the answer was no, we day something like, well lets keep our hands out of our pants right now.... why don't you go wash your hands and we can....." Eventually, the kids learn time and place. Now, we never had a show and tell, but we have had our share of streakers.

[Coldjensens]

What that means is - - he is a boy.

Just make sure he knows that it is inappropriate in public. Otherwise it is normal. Boys jsut want to regularly make certain that everything is still there. Later they will tell you that it is becuae it is "itchy" By about 7 or 8 you will not see it anymore.

[kimmieyky]

I can remember when my oldest was about two and he came hollering into the living room.."Mom, my wicky's growing up!" I almost had a heart attack and could only sputter "well, don't touch it and it will go away!". Man do those hormones start early!

It is normal, and while I am raising my third son - now 9 months - I have figured out to approach it in such a way they do not feel like THEY are bad, explain it is a normal thing, but not something you do in public or with others around, and always find something to distract them - a toy, stuffed animal, whatever - so when it comes from frustration or fear, they have a different 'comfort'.

I have no idea when the boys stopped doing it in front of God an everybody, but it was not long after they turned 5. Before that, gentle reminders and redirection are all you can do.

Oh what I have to look forward to...as my little one just found his a few weeks ago! Now I make him hold the diaper while I cahnge him. Works like a charm!

[jkmewright]

This is just the funniest thread Maybe so because I have a 4 year old with the Mr Winkie thing going on too lol Man, the stories I could tell. When we are out in public I just ask him if everything is ok down there in a tone that emotes concern not scorn. Of course he will pull his hand away immediately in case I want to check lol

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[momo three]

My 3 yr. old boy has his hand down his pants .....way too much. He has 2 older brothers (6 and 7) that never did this...I'm getting worried.