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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
2-year-old very sexual behavior
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
2-year-old very sexual behavior
by Ohiomomof3, May 27, 2007 12:00AM
I have a question pertaining to my 2-year-old and her habit of a sexual nature.
Ever since she was around a year old (a little younger maybe, too) she has been doing various things in order to feel a certain something *down there*. At first, we noticed she was pushing and rubbing against the thing that goes between the legs on the highchair. She would get herself going (pushing and rubbing) so much that she'd break out in a sweat, breathe heavily, and then at the end look like she was completely tired out (much like we all do after a romp in the hay). It was so embarrasing if we were with any friends or family.
As time went on, she was doing the same thing in her carseat against the part that goes between her legs. We've taken her out of the highchair, but she still finds ways to do this. She'll sit on the steps or on one of the small kid size chairs we have and squeeze her legs together while pointing her toes, and just move her hips up and down until she gets what she wants. Thank goodness she hasn't figured out she can do the same thing with her hands.
We've scolded her for it and she just gets mad and screams and then goes back to doing it once we quit watching her. I thought maybe it was a stress reliever for her, but now I'm noticing that she's doing it at any time of the day...stressed or not.
What would you do in this situation??? Help!
Ever since she was around a year old (a little younger maybe, too) she has been doing various things in order to feel a certain something *down there*. At first, we noticed she was pushing and rubbing against the thing that goes between the legs on the highchair. She would get herself going (pushing and rubbing) so much that she'd break out in a sweat, breathe heavily, and then at the end look like she was completely tired out (much like we all do after a romp in the hay). It was so embarrasing if we were with any friends or family.
As time went on, she was doing the same thing in her carseat against the part that goes between her legs. We've taken her out of the highchair, but she still finds ways to do this. She'll sit on the steps or on one of the small kid size chairs we have and squeeze her legs together while pointing her toes, and just move her hips up and down until she gets what she wants. Thank goodness she hasn't figured out she can do the same thing with her hands.
We've scolded her for it and she just gets mad and screams and then goes back to doing it once we quit watching her. I thought maybe it was a stress reliever for her, but now I'm noticing that she's doing it at any time of the day...stressed or not.
What would you do in this situation??? Help!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., May 27, 2007 12:00AM
, May 27, 2007 12:00AM
Masturbation to this degree in a young child is generally a sign of tension and is a way to soothe herself. Is her development proceeding well otherwise? It's important to rule out that she is being subjected to any inappropriate activity, though most children who marturbate at this age are not the victims of abuse. If all else is normal, be sure to have her checked medically (to rule out any infection or other problem), and be sure she is actively engaged in age -typical activities and is playing with peers. If children are normally busy and engaged, the behavior will wane.
