Curious 2 1/2 yr old

I have a 2 1/2 yr old son that has developed some weird habits. He has got into the habit of getting my undergarments and rubbing his peepee on them; he also touches himself as well to often. He also grabs my chest and buttocks. I have tried to tell him that that behavior is wrong and i have put my undergarments out of sight. I come home to the baby sitter saying "He cried himself to sleep at the foot of your closet again". I am a working mom and can't tell him "NO" all the time.

[wtfcoulditbe]

I remember there was a time when my son would touch himself, he's 4 now...Is your son potty trained yet?  This could be a sign to start him also just curiosity.  The grabbing thing I think is normal also, my son does that to me once in a while, says "boobies" and laughs.  I think it's because they dont have them and neither does daddy.  The underwear thing, I think that may be a sign of him missing you, ya know?  It is the closest thing to your skin and your smell.  Try giving him a night shirt you've slept in a couple times and havent washed.  Hope this helps :)

[Desiree23]

Okay im in the same boat besides the undergarmets. My 2 1/2 will touch hisself while sitting ont he potty until his penis is erect...when I catch him he just looks at me and smiles and tells me "look ma" and he also is very touchy feely with me. He will grab at me when I step out of the shower, smack my behind and say things like "Momma big *******" "Momma booty" so I dont know if he is just curious and doesnt know what he is doing is wrong but I have started telling him "No". I know its hard being a working mom but as much as you can "No" needs to come from you.

[njeosys]

My DD is obsessed with my chest. She will come running into my room and go "Mommy, your boobies!" She pats them, nuzzles them, talks about them and to them... and I only nursed her for her first 3 weeks of life! I personally find it cute and funny, but I can see why you are concerned.

I think Lola81 had a brilliant idea of leaving a shirt with your scent on it for your child to use as a security object. Working moms have a different struggle then SAHMs because their children tend to have a bit more separation anxiety (that I've observed anyway). Having a piece of you with him/her will help them to feel more secure!!!

[Boudijana]

I don't wanna scare you but sometimes these are signs of sexual abuse by someone. does he act weird around someone in particular or anything? just becareful!!! I understand separation anxiety but why to rub your his peepee on undergarments

[Boudijana]

I don't wanna scare you but sometimes these are signs of sexual abuse by someone. does he act weird around someone in particular or anything? just becareful!!! I understand separation anxiety but why to rub your his peepee on undergarments

[Kristi_35]

I found your post while looking for answers to my own questions about the strange behavior of my own 3yr old. I am a stay at home Mom. He is never with anyone but me so I know sexual abuse does not have anything to do with my little guys behavior. He does the same strange things. (including rubbing himself on my undergarments or silky gown) It seems as though I catch this behavior about once every other day. Sometimes more frequently. It makes me feel so weird. I don't know what to say or do. Through some research I have found that this is quite normal and that the children should not be made felt ashamed. I am now just trying to teach him that this behavior is personal and private. Who knows. I guess this post was just to let you know your not alone.