What is normal behavior in terms of privates

Here is my predicament: After three weeks of being in a new daycare, my 3

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

NO, masturbation in a young child is not necessarily a signal of the child having been abused. Young children do masturbate, and as long as the behavior is not excessive and does not impede their normal development (re: preschool, playing with peers, occupying themselves at home, e.g.), you needn't woory. Now, that's not to say that her interest in her genital area was not prompted by something that occurred at the daycare program - who knows. But the masturbation itself is not worrisome.

[jdtm]

"She became shy and did not want to talk, she peed three times in her pants. She would be afraid to go to bed alone. Her teacher told me did not eat ANYTHING in the entire week. At this time, she was not touching herself too much...."


I have copied the above from your post.  All these behaviours are what I have observed many times in children who suffer from extreme anxiety; perhaps, in this case, "selective mutism".  You might want to check the site "selectivemutism.org" for further information.  Of course, from the limited information in your posting these behaviours could indicate other issues.  If you think that anxiety might be a possibility, a pediatrician or medical health professional who has knowledge of mental health issues in children should be able to help you.  I wish you the best.