5 year old masterbates

[amli]

I am concerned about my 5 year old masterbating. I caught him a couple of times, and he told me that he likes to play with it because it tickles. I asked him if he saw anyone else doing it or if someone showed him. He told me no. Is this normal?

[seeker1981]

it is 100% normal for a child that age to play with it. they do not see it the same way we see masturbation. they are just curious about the way their body works. Just as long as your aware of any further actions and if it does not start happening all the time or in public areas your going to be fine. keep up the good work by communicating and seeking for answers with your child.

[amli]

Thank you for your response and suggestion. I will speak to his pediatrician. I did not do it before, because I taught it may have been embarassing for him, that is why I decided to use a forum to get more information and probably see if other parents had the same concerns.

[Megaroni]

I am so glad that you asked him the very appropriate question, and that was has someone else showed him this.  I do know that all my friends, co-workers and families that have not had an abused child say that this is very normal.  They want to feel the differences that their bodies have to offer, and accidently find out that it does feel good.  I do think this is normal behavior.  However if he masturbates until he gets release at his age, I would suggest taking him to his pediatrician, and let the experts help you.