Toddler humping toys

[Contemplates]

My 3 year old lies on the floor with a toy between his legs, doing a slight wriggle. I think he does it for comfort or when tired.

It started when he was about 18-24 months when he would roll over onto his hands with a wriggle before lights out at bedtime. Next we would find him asleep with his favourite teddy between his legs. Then he would reach out for his toy as soon as he got into bed.

More recently he takes his favourite toys everywhere with him so he can hump them on the sofa or floor, in between playing with his train set or cars. Sometimes he will be in the middle of a car game and then stare into space and start humping a car!

I've read a little around the subject and understand that I shouldn't make him feel ashamed, or tell him off. Some articles suggest trying to distract (but it doesn't always work and certainly doesn't seem to last for long on the rare times it does work momentarily).

So I'm interested to hear from anyone with experience of this. Did the kids grow out of it by themselves or did the habit spill over into school or social events like family BBQ or Christmas get togethers?!

How did you handle it as a parent? Sometimes experience is better than advice in a book.

[mostlyconfused]

My daughter has done this almost from birth. She is now about to turn 3. She doesn't use toys but climbs onto people's knees or the arm of the sofa. I've always found it really embarrassing when she does it in front of other people. We just tell her "don't climb" but doesn't always work!

Like yourself I've read not to tell her off or make a big deal out of it but I find that really hard sometimes! I'm worried she isn't going to grow out of it and will be doing it at nursery and school. I do t know any other mums with the same problem so it's good to know in not the inky one with a child that likes to do this.

[Contemplates]

Thanks for the reply. It's not clear what to do with them is it?! Let's hope someone who has been there and come out of it the other side comes along!

[loveisagirlnameddaisy]

Another mother of humper here! My DD started doing it around the age of 2 and has continued to do it on and off since. She's now 4.5. We do go through periods where she forgets all about it. She usually lies on her tummy and puts her hand between her legs and wriggles to create pressure. There's no doubt she gets some sort of pleasure from it as her eyes glaze over.

I try my hardest not to say anything although I do sometimes ask her to sit up and stop. I've also suggested that she should do it in her room as its a private thing (or words to that effect). But I'm also very clear to her that there's nothing wrong with her exploring her own body although we should only touch ourselves not each other. To be honest, it's a bit of a minefield and I guess we're fortunate that so far she's never done it in public.

[Contemplates]

Thanks for that

I must admit I am a bit concerned he might do it at school. I dare not ask preschool in case they think I'm being weird!

It's just that no one in real life has ever come across it before so I am a bit nonplussed!