4 year old too interested in sexual things

[valeriedmorris]

My four year old has been "tickling herself since she was about 18 months old....I know this is normal, but she has recently started commenting on peoples butts looking nice and she tries to sneak in the bathroom to "peek" at my boyfriends penis as he is getting out of the shower. Her dad said she is doing the same at his house... Is all this normal? I am getting worried that she might have too many sexual hormones or something

[Jessica2375]

NO!........ Its not a bad thing to see, or to want to see, but to show?!? A 4yo a penis!?!? I kinda have a feeling that would be considered to be quite controversial by most, to say the least.

[poop23]

I think its ok for her to look at a penis so she wont be so curious so let her.

[Saralise]

I don't think it's your fault, Valerie. She probably did hear the "butts" comment in a movie or a TV show, just tell her that that's inappropriate. Equally, explain that it's not okay to try to peek at someone else's private parts, and ask him to keep the door closed.

It doesn't sound dangerous, I think she's just curious, but it does need to be explained that those things are private. Not wrong, but private.

[margypops]

I agree with RR that is what is happening she is reacting to the happenings in the household  around her.,small children are aware and see what is going on, what seems loving to you seems sexual to her, tone it down ,,

[RockRose]

valerie,  she's in a very sexualized environment.  

Girls who are not raised with their mothers and  biodads in an intact family behave inappropriately sexually and reach puberty much earlier than girls in a less sexualized environment.  

She's reacting to the sexuality in the household.  

[Liquid4444]

It seems she has discovered herself. And she is curious as to how the other sex looks. If the other sex looks the same as her or not. That is all it is, is curiousity. Just keep a reign on it. If she can't satisfy her curiosity locally, she may try with any friends she makes. It is only normal curiousity. But it can be controled. Her masterbation is normal, and it is a private thing. Have a talk with her if she tickles herself publicly. She should only do that at home.
Hope this has helped.

[margypops]

There could be some copied behavior going on here whilst some is normal ,excessive interestat 4 year old,could  indicate some learned behavior or encouragement, perhaps ask your boyfriend to close the door when he showers.I dont think its hormones simply she has heard some fun being made of this behavior and it has encouraged her to be precociousdont feed into it, be aware of the dynamics here.