6 yr. old girl scared of feelings

[jburiles]

My six year old daugter has recently began to explore her private area.  She has been very scared of the "feelings" she is having their and has been 'confessing' these acts to me as if it is a crime.  She gets very upset saying she has something to tell me an dget hysterical when she talks about it.  She seems to be scared that I will be angry at her for doing these things and insists on telling me things that she has done in the past.  I have explained to her that these are things that she should do in private and there is nothing wrong with her behavor.  She has told me she has rubbed her toys there and I have explained to her that this is not OK beucase of germs or she  could hurt her self but have not told her she should stop the touching.  I have explained this is a private matter and she should not speak with other kids about this, only me.  She is very bright and has always been the 'tomboy'.  She always plays with boys and is curious about boys private parts.  What is the best way to handle her fears that she is doing something wrong.  I do not think she is compulsive in masterbation (masturbation) though I havae never seen her do it.  She becomes over whelmed with this guilt and I encorage the openiness.   What else can I do?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Continue to try to assure her that touching herself is OK and is quite normal, and to educate her to continue to do this in private. You might also want to check out the children's literature available  in your local library. There are excellent resources to help her with this information (the books are generally for a parent to read to/with a child). Ask the librarian for help.