Child Touching Stool

My 23 month old son has begun being interested in his stool and is moving towards being ready for potty training.  One of the things that he has recently wanted to do is touch his stool while I am changing his diaper.  My response has been "No, we don't touch poopy, it is dirty" or the like, in a gentle tone.  I am aware that it is perfectly natural for him to want to explore, and do not say anything when he is exploring, for example, his penis.

However, my wife is concerned that telling my son not to touch his stool may send negative messages (e.g., he may confuse the message with "don't touch your penis" -- which is not a message I want to send).  What are your thoughts?  My concern is that he not touch his stool and then his mouth, risking bacterial exposure.  Thanks for your thoughts.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

He'll be able to understand the difference between touching the stool and touching his penis. It's OK to proceed as you are.