When
Toddlers Explore Their Genitals In Public
Picture this all-too-familiar scene: 'My 4 yr-old put her hands down
her pants and started playing with herself in front of her granny!'
You're
mortified! But relax - out of nappies for the first time, she has just
discovered a whole new part of her body to explore.
Toddlers
are learning about the world, and that means learning about their bodies
too. Some toddlers touch themselves, others rub their legs together or
rock themselves.
It's
not a sex thing. Some toddlers will do it when they are going to sleep.
Like thumbsucking, it's comforting.
This
is normal toddler behaviour
Your toddler wouldn't do it if she didn't enjoy it, and like picking her
nose, it's something she'll grow out of. You were embarrassed because
you were reading things into her actions that simply aren't there. You
can't explain to a toddler why this sort of behaviour is unacceptable
because she simply won't understand. Ignore what other people, even granny,
have to say about it.
Don't
make a fuss
This is an innocent habit. Don't make a fuss or your daughter may do it
to attract attention. If you get angry or embarrassed, she may get the
idea that there is something shameful about that part of her body. Next
time she has her hand in her pants ignore it. If you are in a public place,
gently remove her hand and divert her attention to something else.
Doctors
and nurses
Older toddlers may show an interest in the private parts of other children,
especially if they discover that boys and girls are not the same. You
may find them showing each other their naked bodies. Again this is just
curiosity and pretty normal behaviour for an inquisitive 3 or 4
yr-old. Once their curiosity is satisfied that will be the end of it.
Finally...
Remember that children will learn attitudes
to their bodies from your reactions. Be calm and matter-of-fact. If you
react with embarrassment or anger, your child will learn that this part
of her body is different. If she persists in fondling herself in public
simply tell her that this is a private part of her body and it is not
okay to touch herself in public.
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