Ask any Indian mother and she will tell you what a hard task it is to handle her child in public. Well, but we all have our own sweet ways to deal with our toddler’s tantrums, don’t we? Watching your child dig his nose in public, crying loudly, running around in a restaurant- we have all been there and done that. After all, this what makes motherhood memorable! But then, what do you do when you spot your child with his hands inside his pants, playing with his penis? Sounds scary?

But this is part of growing up too! Yes! Toddler Masturbation is common and here are things you must know before its too late!

What is toddler masturbation?

The idea of talking sex or genitals to toddlers sends chills down our spines, right? But, just like how you taught your child to walk, talk, run and jump, you also need to introduce his body to him. So, don’t be surprised if you catch your toddler ‘at the act’. They are just curious little minds, trying to explore and figure things out. And this happens generally after they turn 2 and goes all the way until they are 6.

But, the good thing is that masturbation is not bad. It is a natural thig and its not that you baby boy has already ‘grown up’ or figured it all about sex. So, if your baby is playing with his genitals, don’t freak. Its part of growing up!

Is this common?

Totally! Studies reveal that masturbation is common not just in boys, but in girls as well. And most kids like to fiddle with their genitals by the time they are 5-6 years old. And by the time they are 10 or 15, almost 100 percent of boys and 25 percent of girls have masturbated to the point of orgasm.

So, masturbation is only at attempt your child is making to understand his body and it is not limited to one gender. Fiddling with their genitals gives them a pleasure of some kind, which is not associated with anything sexual. It simply feels good. Kids will only worry when they pick up anxious vibes from adults around them.  

Masturbation in boys

Masturbation in boys happens as young as when they are 6 months old. Genital stimulation occurs in boy babies during a diaper change or when you give them a bath.

Masturbation in girls

In girls, things are slightly different. This is because girls don’t get to know about their vulva until about 10-11 months and so genital stimulation does not happen. However, once the vulva is in place, girls masturbate by rubbing their parts with their hands or against an object. Well, whatever be the case, one thing you MUST remember is that Toddler Masturbation has nothing to do with sexual pleasure. That happens at a much later sage in life.

How to handle toddler masturbation?

You definitely cannot make a 4 or a 5-year-old understand that touching down there is not a good practice. So, what do you do?

1.  Don’t panic- First of all, you need to stay calm and composed. Remind yourself that masturbation is completely normal and it does not mean your child is indulging in a sexual activity.

2.  Don’t shame them- Your child is blissfully unaware of what he or she is doing. So, don’t yell or shame at them in public. Instead, try and talk to them about the habit and how it is not nice to practice such things in public.

3.  Know where to draw the line: Allowing kids to explore their body parts is good but you definitely must know where to draw the line. Using the right words, tone and body language can make a big difference. So, watch out!

4.  Know what’s normal and what’s not: Over stimulation can prove to be dangerous for both boys and girls. So, constantly have an eye on your toddler and don’t shy away from checking their privates too!

5.  Consult a doctor: In case you spot your child ‘at it’ very often, don’t hesitate from consulting a doctor.

Feature image source: healthychi.com