Discuss appropriate times and places to touch their private parts. Let your child know that it's totally fine and normal to rub their penis or vulva (and yes, use those anatomically correct words) if it feels good or they're just curious, but that it's something to do in private.
Normal sexual behaviors in toddlers and preschoolers
Normative (normal), common "sexual" behavior in 2- to 6-year-olds may include: Touching/rubbing genitals in public or private. Looking at or touching a peer's or sibling's genitals.
Begin teaching your child the difference between "public" and "private." If she starts touching herself while you're out in public, quietly tell her that some things are okay to do in private but not in public where there are people around. Take her hand, give it a gentle squeeze and distract her.
You should be able to distract or redirect kids if they're zeroing in on self-touch publicly or trying to “catch a glimpse” of nudity. “If it appears to be more of a compulsion, and they can't be redirected, it's worth a discussion with the child, if possible, to see if something is itching or hurting,” Bowers says.
When you see him putting his hands in his pants, as subtly as possible, go to him and remind him that he either needs to stop or to go somewhere private. Some parents establish a special signal with their child that reminds him what the rule is so as not to embarrass him in front of others.
Give consequences.
Calmly and firmly explain the consequences if they don't behave. For example, tell her that if she does not pick up her toys, you will put them away for the rest of the day. Be prepared to follow through right away. Don't give in by giving them back after a few minutes.
Curiosity about genitalia is a perfectly normal part of early sexual development. When little kids touch their own genitals or show an interest in looking at other people's private parts, they are most likely doing what young children are born to do: learning about themselves and the world around them.
Being overly affectionate can be a sign of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). According to the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, some symptoms are: Being overly sensitive to stimulation. Moving constantly.
Hyposensitive kids are under-sensitive, which makes them want to seek out more sensory stimulation. They may: Have a constant need to touch people or textures, even when it's not socially acceptable. Not understand personal space even when kids the same age are old enough to understand it.
Self Discovery and Genital Touching
Touching, scratching, or tugging in the genital area is just a normal activity for boys, especially between ages 2 and 6. 2 They might rearrange their genitals for comfort, scratch an itch, or spend more time diaper-free if they are learning to use the toilet.
Feelings and behaviour
At this age, preschoolers are exploring and learning to express emotions. They do this in many ways – for example, by talking, using gestures, making noises and playing. Preschoolers also like to be around people. Your child might want to please and be like preschool-age friends.
“Inappropriate touches are any time someone touches your private parts in a way that makes you feel confused, sad, or uncomfortable,” she says. “You can tell your child that if someone puts their hand under your shirt or in your pants, that is unsafe.”
Tell him to stop immediately.
Loudly say, “Stop touching me!” so that other people around you will hear. Do not be embarrassed. It's the creep who's touching you that should be embarrassed! You can also say something like, "I don't feel comfortable being touched," or "I didn't give you permission to touch me."
Unwanted touching such as groping and touching of private parts is considered child sexual abuse. Additionally, being subjected to pornography or forced to take nude photographs is child sexual abuse, as is oral and anal sex.
Teach them the difference between good and bad touch.
Make sure to also use scenarios for inappropriate touching such as their friend's brother wanting to see what is in their pants. Remind them that if no one can touch them there, they are not to touch anyone there.
Experts say that a child can be taught about it as early as 2 years of age when they can start identifying the parts of their body. By the age of 5 years, the child should be able to understand good and bad touch in a comprehensive manner.
What is the Good Touch / Bad Touch program? Good Touch / Bad Touch is a body-safety program that teaches our children a comfortable way to talk about a very sensitive problem. Children are taught what abuse is, personal body-safety rules, who can help them and what to do if they are threatened or harmed.
Redirect their attention.
This can be helpful when your child is in public and you don't want to talk about their touching or turn it into a discussion. One of the best things to do it to put something in their hands to touch instead. This gives them an activity and keeps them focused on something else.
It's normal for babies of either sex to touch their genitals when they're young. It can start as early as 4 to 6 months, as babies gain control of their limbs and hands and start exploring their bodies. They'll grab at anything they can reach, including their ears, feet, and private parts.
According to Vanessa, the key is to understand that genital touching is very normal behaviour and to view it as appropriate behaviour. She compared the behaviour to thumb-sucking, telling Kidspot that it was a form of self-soothing and pleasure. "It's relaxing and it feels good.