[jtaylor519]

My 4 year old daughter has been touching herself and then smelling her fingers. She usually does this when she is tired ready to fall asleep or watching TV. Im not sure what to do. If I see her doing this we go to the bathroom to wash her hands. She has been doing this since she was about 1. I thought she would grow out of it but hasn't please help

[Holly23]

Im pretty sure she will grow out of it.Young children find this relaxing.I don't think its much to worry about it. Unless she doesn't grow out of it.

[mudweiser]

I don't find it unusual. She's 4- she's still curious about herself.

You should tell her to do that when she's alone and in private.

That's just my opinion.

I don't swat my daughter or tell her not to touch herself-- I don't want her to start feeling ashamed of her body or think there is something wrong with touching herself. I just let her know to do that in private.

Sarah

[dontknownuthin]

I agree with mudweiser. Don't make too much of a big deal about it - just tell her that we don't touch our private places in front of other people. I think it's fine to handle it like other rules. If she does it in public (or in front of other family members) I think it's OK to give her a time out just as you might if she was flipping her dress over her head after you'd told her not to.

I believe in being matter of fact with children about these things - You can teacher her about what is and isn't private with a little game in the car when you're running errands - "is the kitchen private? How about the bathroom?" What are private parts, your ears? Your toes? Your bottom? It may sound silly, and it is - but it gets children comfortable with their bodies and talking to their parents about their bodies without embarrassment, and also gets the lesson across.

[KISS]

So far, everyone did a nice job. Can't give rep to Muddy.

[Fr_Chuck]

Agreed with the above