Help - My 2 year old son likes to fondle himself.?

Question

My 2 year old son (who will be 3 in Sept.) obsessively fondles himself. At first, I just thought it was something little boys do and thought nothing of it. Now, he does it ALL the time and he does not care where he is – At school, in front of company, in the tub, everywhere. Recently I notice that he will make his p***s erect and rub his hands across the head. Now, within the past 2 weeks off and on, he complains about his p***s is hurting and my husband says he saw it was a little red from him playing with it. I know that he has not been sexually abused, but I am unsure what to do. He is scheduled to see his doctor soon, but I just need to hear someone else’s advice before I go.

Answer 1

Why do you let your son behave this way in front of others?  That may have something to do with his behavior.  When he starts touching himself in front of others, calmly but immediately remove him from view and remind him that this is not acceptable.  Is your son generally clothed with undies and pants?  How is able to do this all the time if he has clothes on?  Something serious is up with this and I don't think you are being honest with yourself.  

Fondling oneself often is not something that little boys do. Especially in public.  I had grew up with four boys and raised a son and never saw this.  How can a child do this without someone saying something.  If you son pulled on his ears or nose, others would be concerned.  His private parts are no exception.  What does his teacher think about this?

Give him showers with little or very mild soap.  He could possibly have an allergic reaction to bathing, but I don't think that is the situation here.  

To be honest, you may have to re-examine your view that he has not been sexually abused.  More than 50% of children who are abused have parents who say that they know their child has not been abused.  Have a quiet talk with your son.  Ask him why he does this.  Tell him it is not polite to do things in public like pass gas, burp, etc. and touching himself like that is one of those things.  Don't make him feel guilty, but let him know that it is not acceptable.   See a professional like  yesterday.

Answer 2

With all due respect Roses, it is quite normal for a little 2 year old to fondle himself.  I'm sure you were trying to be helpful, but reading your response to the above question made me feel bad about myself and the fact that my son likes to touch his p***s.  Now if he's 6 and still doing this I'll be concerned, but I doubt I'll ever feel the need to send my son to therapy because he plays with his ding-a-ling.  My son does in fact fondle himself, and I know for a fact that he has never been abused, I'm with him 24-7, literally!  My son started out rubbing his ear when he was 6 months old, and then he moved to his belly when he was a year old, and now he's gone south, it's all out of the name of comfort...period.  And besides, you can't reason with a 2 year old, at least not mine at the moment.  If I were to ask my son why he does that he'd say, "cars?"  because that's what he's obsessed with at the moment.  Most of what they do is out of instinct, as parents we help them learn what is appropriate and what isn't.  Prettykia, I hope you figure out how to help deter your son from fondling himself.  You're not alone, many little boys do this.  When you catch him doing it, just tell him no, I have to remind my son to touch his belly button instead.   I'm hoping that one day it sticks and he'll stop fondling himself.  :)  You'll have to add an update and let us know what your doctor says.  Good luck!

Answer 3

My two year old started doing this too. We started making him go up to his room when he starts touching himself. And, he has started asking to go to his bed. I think he just became aware of it as he just started potty training.

We are trying to teach him to do it out of public.

Answer 4

You need to talk to him about "appropriate" places to do it.  You can't stop him - and shouldn't- but you can teach him that it is inappropriate to do it in public.