Currently, many babies are just toddlers but are very curious about the genitals and have self-stimulating behaviors. Boys may have the behavior of pulling and contracting the penis, while girls rub their hands on the genitals. Many parents feel confused and awkward, even unsure of what to do when their children exhibit these behaviors.
1. What should parents do when a child masturbates?
According to Dr. Loan's guidance, if parents notice self-stimulating behavior in young children, they should:
- First: Stay calm and explain to the child that masturbation is completely normal. Parents should teach their child that masturbation is a private activity.
- Second: If the child masturbates in public, try to gently distract them. If distraction is unsuccessful, guide the child to a private area and explain the importance of privacy and how their behavior might affect others.
According to Dr. Huynh Thoai Loan, frequent masturbation in children can sometimes signal underlying health issues or be a sign of sexual abuse. Therefore, parents should prioritize early sex education, starting at least with preschool and elementary-aged children.
During the process of teaching sex education, parents should emphasize to their child that no one is allowed to touch their private parts, except in specific cases such as during a medical examination, and only with the parents' consent.
If you are concerned about your child's behavior and understanding of sexuality, take them to see a doctor for proper advice. It is recommended to have your child evaluated in the following situations:
- Excessive masturbation throughout the day.
- Masturbation in public even after parental reminders.
- Masturbation accompanied by behavioral or emotional difficulties, such as social withdrawal, aggression, or sadness.
- Talking about sexual topics or engaging in inappropriate sexual activities for their age.
Since children's understanding is still immature, parents should remain calm when observing inappropriate behaviors. Most importantly, spend more time observing and growing alongside your child to guide their development positively.
