my 4 1/2 yr old thinks talking and touching private parts its funny

[okok]

My son has started touching and talking about private parts and he thinks he is being funny.  my husband and I explained to him many times that is private and not to do it but he continues.  I also put him on time out and he continues.  I was getting so fustrated because i dont want him to do it that now i tell him if he is going to talk about private parts he needs to go to the bathroom and he stops but whenever he wants to be funny he starts again.  now his little brother is also doing it.  what can I do?  the teachers say they have not noticed anything at school, but Im not so sure.

[Saralise]

The reason kids will do this is for the reaction. He sees that you get stressed out and flip over what to him are just words and an area of the body. He has no idea of the significance.

Try explaining to him that it is private, and giving him a time-out in a safe place away from others. Immediately repeat if needed, and don't let up. Be firm, and never smile, laugh, or get upset -- he IS doing this for the reaction!