6yr old masterbating?

[MLBDMP]

My boyfriend has a 6yr old daughter that i help him take care of. Lately we have seen her playing with her private area. She used to ask for private time and we now realize that that was what she was doing. Now she does it everywhere...even when we are right in the next room. We got a call from her teacher and he told us that she was doing it in school too. We wanted to confront her, but we didn't want her to think that she was doing anything wrong. My boyfriend sat her down and told her that what she was doing was ok but it was a private matter and she needed to keep it that way. She should not do it around other people, especially at school. Is this normal? Do 6yr old girls do this? or is something wrong? Please help.

[Carolina2806]

My daughter is 6 and she explores herself regularly. We chuckle about it, but she understands that we don't do that in public. I don't really think of it as masturbation because she is not seeking sexual gratification. Maybe she is just curious about her body?  My daughter and I talk about our bodies together. She knows what mine looks like so she has lots of questions--as you can imagine.  The other day she wanted to buy a bra--one with crystals attached to it.

Maybe just talking to her about her body will help?  I have two girls so I'm learning to be less shy about these sorts of things--I can imagine that your boyfriend is shy to talk about little girls' bodies--I know my husband is--he freaks out whenever he catches her doing something like that.

He comes and looks for me on how to handle it. I'm not an expert, but maybe this post will help ease some worries.

Take Care.
PS Don't feel bad.  My nephew took his out at the age of five in a Library during a summer reading group.  It was a Christian reading group. He was playing with it--well--because it was fun to do that.  The Christian group overreacted and banned him from attending.  It upset him so much as he really didn't understand what he did that was so wrong. It wasn't sexual to him.

[snooper35]

My daughter is 32 she's fine, well-adjusted, goes to some church or other. Her kids are fine, all three. One is in service. My daughter used to do it at seven, it didn't fall off, her fingers didn't fall off, didn't go blind in either eye. Although the first time I saw her doing it I went blind on the spot. But I recovered. All I could think was next come the boys! But that was a good while off.

Pray to God that he saves us these damned American Taliban. I have it up to my butt with being told what is right for me and how to do it! Kiss my(*)^$#@$&

Everyone have a very happy whatever and leave me alone.

[BlueEgg]

I would worry that your boyfriend;s daughter is being molested.  At age 6 to be masturbating in front of others is rather odd. Talk to her and ask if anyone has ever touched her private parts. I would guess otherwise that she feels a sense of comfort much like a baby feels comforted by sucking.  Can she be cuddled  and comforted and babied?  This may be what she needs and then she may feel less of a need to self stimulate. Keep her busy and provide outlets such as sports and other activities.  Play with her yourselves...and give her lots of love and support.  Is her mother very loving?  If not, there is a role for you to fill, MLBDMP  All the best!  BlueEgg