Re: 4 year old who plays with his penis

Posted By Michelle on July 22, 1999 at 07:51:08
My fiancee has a four year old son who visits us every 2nd weekend and every holiday.  Of late (the past month or so) he has taken to climbing into his bed at home and at our house and pulling off his shorts and playing with his penis.  He also fondles his penis in the bath at home and when he spends time with us.  His mother is very distressed by this and has asked his father (my fiancee) to discuss this matter with him.  How do we go about doing this without terrifying the boy and making him afraid of his own sexuality.  When does this type of behaviour cross the boundry between normal and abnormal?

[Wes__0]

Posted By Wes on July 22, 1999 at 21:40:49
My son did this too.  Our Dr. said it was just body curiousity, and to explain to him that it is alright to touch himself and you know that it feels good, but to only do it in private (bathroom, bedroom, etc).  That way you don't give him the idea that his penis is "bad".  Remind him gently if you see him playing with his penis in front of others.  Remember, he does not know what sex or masturbation are, and he is not thinking of touching his penis as a sexual act. It feels good to him, and he is curious.  I'm not a Dr, but I hope I helped you some.










Follow Ups: