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Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Behaviour/development

Licking problem with 3 year old DS!

13 replies

Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 22:04

Picked DS2 up from nursery today & one of the nursery supervisors asked me if I'd noticed him licking things.
I told him I hadn't noticed him doing this, other than licking his fingers.
It appears that he is licking toys, computer screen & even other children at nursery!!
I don't know where he's got this from or why he's doing it.
I feel embarrased that he's doing this, but am not sure exactually how to handle this.

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tubismybub · 02/02/2007 22:11

Sounds like he's just exploring his taste senses, maybe he has very sensitive taste buds and is fascinated by the different tastes and texture on his tongue.

My DS (18mnths) comes up behind me and licks my bum cheek whenever i'm getting undressed Not quite sure what they says about him!

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Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 22:15

Maybe? It's just a little embarrassing that he's doing this - especially to other children! Poor children!!

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Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 22:16

Not really sure how to handle it.

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Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 23:15

Do I ignore & hope it goes away or try & deal with it??
Really not sure where it's come from or how to best deal with this!

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colditz · 02/02/2007 23:16

Probably he licked someone, and that someone laughed. now he thinks it is the height of hilarity.

that's what ds1 would do anyway.

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Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 23:20

You're probably right there, colditz - he is a bit of a show off!

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pinkchampagne · 03/02/2007 19:03

Do you think it's best I ignore this & hope it goes away, or should I be trying to stop him?
I am a bit concerned that he is doing it to other children.

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juuule · 03/02/2007 19:10

My dd, also 3, does this too. We tell her it's not a very nice thing to do and that people don't like being licked and that it can make people poorly, including herself. Also tell her that the same applies to licking things (not the not liking it bit ). It seems to be working as she doesn't do it as often now. Or maybe it was a phase and she's growing out of it.

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Surfermum · 03/02/2007 19:24

DD licks us instead of kissing. She says she's Bumpy Dog from Noddy.

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pinkchampagne · 03/02/2007 19:53

It's kind of reassuring to know my DS isn't the only child to do this!
I was very embarrassed when the nursery staff took me to one side about it on Friday!
I hope it's just a little phase he's going through, and one that doesn't last long!!

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juicychops · 03/02/2007 20:27

my ds who's 2 has just started licking me when he kisses me. I know its because the first time he did it i laughed and every time he does it now he laughs and waits for me to react

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Elasticwoman · 03/02/2007 21:01

My ds went through this phase too, saying "I licked you!" just in case I hadn't noticed. But it was only me and other family members he licked, as far as I know. Worth asking nursery staff what they're going to do, to stop him licking other children. They were right to let you know what was going on, but sounds like it's THEIR problem. If you know what they propose to do, then you can judge whether you think it's appropriate, and if not veto. If you agree with their course of action you can back them up, eg by talking to ds about it.

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pinkchampagne · 03/02/2007 21:56

I have to say that I hadn't noticed it at home, although his 7 year old brother tells me he has done it to him!
Hope nursery do try to tackle it there, as they said that he even tried licking the computer screen!!!
Have told him that it's not very nice.