2yo DD Touching Lady Parts. .

[Amjohnstone32]

I am just curious as to the normalcy of this. She doesn't when she gets tired. And has been doing it since she was about 1 1/2. I told her no, and say that is something that ladies don't do. And of course her being two, she throws a bug fat fit.

I just need some direction as far as what has worked for other people, and maybe what to say? Or do for that matter.

EDIT: I tell her ladies don't do that in public, it's a private thing. I just wanted advice. Not "shame on you" for wondering what to do.

[lilannies mama]

My dd is 18 months & when she's tired she scoots like she's rubbing on her bed. I try to tell her no or stop her thinking she will realize its a no no but she just starts again til she falls asleep. So mines doing it to but I have no clue how to make her stop. I'm hoping its just a phase & will pass. If you figure something out lmk. I'd like to see
What other mamas say.

[Tris]

Completely normal. I don't teach them no, because IMO it's perfectly natural to want to explore your own body, but I do redirect and make sure it's clear they only do it in their room or during their alone time.

[jbug_4]

Originally Posted by Tris Completely normal. I don't teach them no, because IMO it's perfectly natural to want to explore your own body, but I do redirect and make sure it's clear they only do it in their room or during their alone time.

This. We teach that "privates" are private and they can touch all they want in private. That is the only time we use the word privates and only to support the touching is for private times idea. We want them to know that its fine and normal- because it is, so that when it does turn into actual sexual gratification masturbation they will hopefully understand that is also normal.

[firststella]

Originally Posted by Tris Completely normal. I don't teach them no, because IMO it's perfectly natural to want to explore your own body, but I do redirect and make sure it's clear they only do it in their room or during their alone time.

This. It is a completely normal stage of child's development. They explore their body and as long as this activity stays in the private time it is ok.
My 3yo DD does exactly the same thing when falling asleep, sometimes when she'svery tired she doesn't.

[DesertRat]

Originally Posted by firststella This. It is a completely normal stage of child's development. They explore their body and as long as this activity stays in the private time it is ok.

There's a difference between exploring one's body and touching for pleasure. If the kid wants to know what's down there, I'd give them a mirror. But I would discourage masturbation. There's a difference.

[ajane]

Originally Posted by Tris Completely normal. I don't teach them no, because IMO it's perfectly natural to want to explore your own body, but I do redirect and make sure it's clear they only do it in their room or during their alone time.

Agree

[Mama*Kim]

Totally normal. It feels good. At her age, its not a sexual thing. It's no more "intimate" than me running my fingers through my hair when I'm tired. It's just a comfort thing. However, because its a private part of her body, I would encourage her to do it in her room when she's alone. DS1 used to touch himself a lot around that age. We just reminded him that was a private thing. Most of the time, he just quit. Once in a while, he'd retreat to his room. I haven't seen him do it in at least a year and don't think he's doing it anymore.

[GirlFriday13th]

It's totally normal and I think it's important not to make them feel ashamed about exploring their bodies. I have boys and I just tell them playing with their penis is something they should do privately. Generally they're not motivated enough to go upstairs to their room and leave whatever fun thing is going on so they take their hands out of thier pants. But at some point I imagine that will change.

[bigmamakelsey]

Honestly, I think it's just a stage. I wouldn't discourage it as long as you're in the privacy of your own home. Teaching her that it's not ladylike to touch her genitals might make her uncomfortable with her body.