Masturbation

[ValerieDein428]

I have recently noticed my five year old has been masturbating ALOT. He has been caught by a few people. He mostly does it when he is in bed. I have never dealt with a situation like this & don't know how to go about handling it. I don't want him to feel like he's doing something wrong. Is this normal? How do I go about handling this? PLEASE HELP!

[withmycousinnow]

Maybe you could ask Jerry for some advice

[ValerieDein428]

I definitely do NOT want him to feel like he is doing something wrong, which is why I haven't said anything to him yet. I don't want to say the wrong thing to him. He is already being evaluated for his behavioral problems, but this is something that I have just noticed he started doing. I knew he was always fascinated by his pivate area, that has been an ongoing thing since he was two. He has been a tough child and always seems to get himself in trouble. I just don't want him feeling like this is a bad thing and he should never do it, but I need to know what to say to him. Sometimes I don't know how to word things and end up messing it all up.

[rucafox]

he already feels guilt if he pulled his hand up so quick... i'd tell him he has to wait till hes a teenager before he can do that or he'll hurt himself... it worked for my 3 yr old

[MrsPincince]

It is very normal and very common. Be careful not to make him think he's doing something wrong. It is a very natural thing and as he gets older he going to do it more. Just talk to him. Don't back him into a corner and make him feel embarrassed. He's has to know there's a time a place for everything and he has to do it in private. I know it's torture for you but hang in  there, there's nothing wrong with him. Its normal behavior.

[ValerieDein428]

Positive - I caught him tonight when I put him to bed. His hand was going under his blankets & when I just stood by the door, he quickly pulled his pants up and jumped up. My mom has also caught him several times. He has always been fascinated by "it" for some reason. I brought it up to his pediatrician before, but they tell me it's normal for kids to want to "explore", but isn't that pushing it a bit?

[sania19]

are you sure he is doing that . this is not normal talk to his pediatrician .