Hello, I am a Romanian and I have a 3 year old son. Last week he stopped wearing pampers and he discovered he has a penis and his kindergarten teachers told me today that he plays with it in front of the other kids. Apparently, he enjoys it. I am... well, hm, not happy let's say. I almost started crying when she told me even though I know it is not dangerous for his health or anything but... well, it's not a good news for a mother. Anyway, I understand it is a pretty common problem so, please if you could answer my question: how can I explain to my son that it is something he should't do, how can I help him get rid of this bad habit?

ELENA

First, calm down. This is not a "bad habit", it's a perfectly normal part of the growing up process.

The only thing I would explain to your son is that our bodies are private and he needs not do certain things in public.

Yes, calm down. This is pretty normal for his age.

Scott is right. You need to tell him that this is private and that he should not do this in front of other people. Make sure you talk to him at eye level when you tell him this.

Hun, it's not a bad habit, but merely a natural growth phase. This too shall pass.