The subject of childhood masturbation makes many people uneasy. A child touching their genitals looks sexual to an adult and we are not, as a culture, comfortable thinking of children as sexual. But we may be projecting when we freak out about a little boy touching his penis in public. Some, like Dr. Greene, believe that using the word masturbation for a toddler’s fondling of his penis is to project adult notions of sexuality on what is simply exploration. A two-year-old does not know what sex is; many children touch themselves because they are curious, because it feels good, or for comfort, much like they suck their thumb. All this may be good and true, yet public touching of private parts is not socially acceptable and is likely to raise an eyebrow here and there. The line is fine between imposing proper etiquette and labelling a behaviour as bad and dirty; so how do you teach a child to refrain from humping her pillow in front of others without inflicting shame and guilt about sexuality? iVillage’s resident expert suggests aiming to confine such activities to the bedroom. Most experts also note that it is completely normal for a toddler to play with their genitals, but that if a child acts out graphic sexual acts, or seems prematurely aware of the interactive nature of sex, this might be a cause for concern.
Children, Youth And Women’s Health
“Children’s Sexual Behaviour”
“Learning about sexuality is just as important to children as any other learning. Children need to feel that the sexual parts of their bodies are good, just as they feel that it is good to have arms and legs. They need to feel that it is good to be a boy or a girl. When parents talk with children about their bodies and about their sexual feelings and behaviour, children learn that it is okay to talk about these things with parents. Helping children to feel they can come to you to talk freely is one of the ways to help them sort out their values.” …read the full article
Dr. Greene
“Masturbation In Young Children”
“When a parent catches a boy playing with his ears, questions may arise about ear infections when a parent catches a boy playing with his stiff penis, subterranean concerns, anxieties, guilts, shames, questions and regrets often rumble and stir within — even if we believe that it’s normal behavior. Why do we have these complex and powerful feelings?” …read the full article
iVillage
“Masturbation — Is this Normal for Preschoolers?”
“Occasional masturbation is a normal behavior of many infants and preschoolers. Up to one-third of children in this age group discovers masturbation while exploring their bodies. Just as they explore their toes and knees, children find all their parts of their bodies eventually.” …read the full article
BabyCenter Australia®
“Masturbation In Toddlers”
“Young children masturbate for the same reason that older children (and adults) do: It feels good! Bodily exploration is part of growing up. Right now, your child is learning to run, jump, throw, pump a swing, draw, and (possibly) use the toilet. She’s likely to be just as curious about her genitals as she is about her fingers, toes, and belly button — and if she’s recently switched from diapers to underpants, she may be able to get to them for the first time.” …read the full article
Childcare Homestead
“Masturbation”
“Babies are sexual beings from before birth.? Baby boys in the uterus have been observed having erections.? After birth, some babies begin exploring their sexuality in the middle of the first year, others not until the year’s end.? This interest is as inevitable and healthy a part of a baby’s development as fascination with fingers and toes was earlier.” …read the full article
