Unique situation, 7 year old's breast infatuation?

Question

Some people will think I am joking when I explain this situation but, I can reassure you that this is 100% a genuine question.

I have a 7 year old daughter who was breastfed for her first year. She was an extremely colicky baby so, she spent about 18 hours out of the day in my arms or being fed. This bond has continued and she is very emotionally immature to this day.

If she is sad or hurt then she comes to me and lays her head on my b*****s and snuggles into them. She even has names for each one of my b*****s and says good bye to them like she would a doll or pet. It is almost like she thinks of them as comfort objects such as a beloved teddy or blanket.

I don't think this is perverted in anyway on either of our parts as this is purely a mother/daughter bond. I'm just worried about her emotional status. I've tried telling her that she is 7 years old now and she has to let go but, she still loves them. I'd like to make it clear that she doesn't touch anyone else in that way.

Advice?

Answer 1

sorry, a difficult situation. may be, time will reveal her the fact...

Answer 2

UNBELIEVABLE!! I thought my child was the only one doing that. I had to sit her down and explain everything to her. Don't worry about her emotions - they are probably stronger than you think. My child used to come up to me and reach up and rub them. I finally sat her down and told her that it was uncomfortable to me and that she had to stop. She was 7 when that happened and has not done it since.

Answer 3

resist her anytime she tries to

Answer 4

I don't know if its the breast or the fact that they are yours and she can feel your heart beating. In babies it comforts them to heart your heart beat, she may still like that. Or it may be because if how close you are to her that she is comforted by being with you. Have you tried asking her why she loves them so much? The answer may at least give you a clue as to whats going on. But it is normal for children who are very close with there parents to run and cuddle to them when they are upset. Why she chose your breast could be because when you hold a baby you hold them about there and they get used to that being a comforting safe spot.

Answer 5

That is so interesting!  For one, there is nothing more precious than having a little daughter, and I think the bonding part is an absolutely beautiful thing.  I am nursing my daughter and she is 10mths.  I plan on giving it up when she's one, but I am so torn and sad about it because I am going to miss the bonding part so much.  

I do see how your situation is a bit 'extreme', but I think it's a really sweet problem to have.  Your b*****s are obviously like a security thing for her.  But, I don't know how you could really try to replace that with a different object- it just doesn't compare.  I think talking to her is the best solution.

Good luck!!

Answer 6

Don't worry in about 4 or 5 years she will have her own to love.

Answer 7

i was breastfed until i was 3. seriously. and i never had that problem with my mom. you may have to seek some professional help. cos it may really be a problem

Answer 8

I'm sorry but that's just weird. Be firm and tell her this:

'hunny I love you but what would happen if you did this in public? No one would like it. I love you but your a big girl now and mommy needs sometime alone.'

Answer 9

I think at 7 your daughter is old enough to understand private parts of the body. This really is inappropriate touching. My children were aware that certain body parts were private from about 3 or 4.

You need to be firm and set some boundaries. She will become stronger and more emotionally mature if she is taught to respect boundaries. It is hard to stop babying them especially if they have been sick, but it is not good for her or you to allow these immature behaviour patterns to continue.

You will always have a special bond with your daughter, you just need to teach her a more appropriate way to express it.

Answer 10

Sounds crazy.  This seems like when you have to sit your kids down and explain to them their imaginary friends aren't real.  You'll have to explain that they are just a part of your body, like your arms are, and they that they are a private part and that she shouldn't be touching other people in that way.

Answer 11

Get her something in place of your b*****s, perhaps something like feels like them, like a squashy teddy - your never to old to have a teddy... ween her off, you may have to be quite firm about it.