Is genital rubbing normal?

Teresa - posted on 09/06/2012

My 4 year old daughter was always a belly sleeper. When she was much younger she would put her butt in the air and snuggle with her arms between her legs, not a problem. Lately she has been rubbing herself a little more and I just walked in on her and she was all flush and her hair was a mess. I asked her what she was doing when I left her playing with her dolls; she said nothing. I had to ask several times, in a calm tone, in order for her to tell me that she was rubbing here pee pee. She didn't want to tell me because I've told her before not to do that, it weirds me out. I asked her why she does it and she said it feels good, OMG. I don't know why but I am having a hard time accepting that she is only 4 and knows about this different feeling down there. Is she going to be an early sexually active child? On the other side my son doesn't even like to touch his pee pee. He tells me it tickles too much, LOL.



I've researched a little and the majority rules that it's o.k. for this to happen. I can't say that I will allow but I will try not to make it taboo. She already know that I don't want her to do it. I've explained to her that no one can ever touch her pee pee (except a doctor or Mommy to clean)not matter what. Oh MAN I am nervous about this and I don't want to freak her out.



Seeing other posts that other children do this makes me feel a little better but I'm still a little upset about it. Hopefully it will subside until she is 25...lol

Ann - posted on 10/17/2011

Thank you all! I feel so much better now! My sons used to do the tug thingy on their willies but you kinda expect that when they are hanging out there lol

But the humping thing was new to me, though my other daughter would often have her hands down her pants too!

Thank you all ladies :)

Julia - posted on 10/16/2011

kids will always play and rub themselves. my son always plays with his willy when he is upset. probably to make him feel better. and other times. all the time. he is not doing it so much anymore at 5 but still has a good play. I just remind him that he needs to do it when he is by himself.

Donna - posted on 10/14/2011

My little one does it occasionally, when its almost bed time (shes 3), my partner told me 1 nite she rubbed her dummy around this area, he said he told her it was dirty. I told him off its absolutely normal for kids to discover their own body, after all she's only human! I suppose this is just my opinion whos to say its right or wrong but I think its perfectly normal x

Rachael - posted on 10/14/2011

it's normal. my son is 26 months and in the tub he pulls on his penis and laughs. i just tell him that it is private and only to do it in his room when no one else is around. as long as she is doing it in private i wouldn't worry about it

Elise - posted on 10/13/2011

Normal :) My 2yr old does it too

Tina - posted on 10/13/2011

Normal, I know it looks odd for a a toddler to do that sort of thing but there is no need to discourage it.

Christy - posted on 10/13/2011

NORMAL. I hate to say it, if it "feels good" (creepy I know) they are gonna do it. It's a soothing thing. My daughter used to "dry hump" the couch cushion at that age.

Katherine - posted on 10/12/2011

Yep. normal....weird, but normal lol.

Ann - posted on 10/12/2011

Thank you Katherine! My other daughter never did it so its a bit new to me, especially as she does it in her sleep lol

Katherine - posted on 10/12/2011

Yes, it's normal, my daughter, also 2.5 does the same thing. It is healthy and normal, no need to discourage it.