Calling all mums of boys, need advice about DS playing with himself a lot.

[BabsAndTheRu]

Looking for some advice here from mums of boys. Need to know if I am dealing with this properly. My nearly 5yr old DS loves playing with himself. He tells me it tickles. He has just started school this week and it has greatly increased pretty sure doing it for comfort. Anyway this is what I have said to him. That he is not doing anything wrong and its quite normal but its something that you would normally do in private. Also said that I am worried he will hurt himself as his penis looks pretty red and sore with it.
Just want to know if its quite normal at his age as its more than just having a fiddle and that I am dealing with it correctly. Don't want to make a big fuss but would like the novelty to wear off until he is older.

I think it's pretty normal. I have 2 boys and they are both obsessed with their penises!!

It does sound like a comfort thing though. Have you asked him about why he's doing it?

DS1 is 6 now and is just about growing out of it. I think you dealt with it well. I just tell DS that it's private and he can do it but not in front of people! He understands this although still finds it hysterical to flash his brother . He definitely isn't playing with it whilst sat on the sofa like he used to!

DS2 is younger and laughs if you even say the word 'willy'. Looks like I'll be going through it all again!

Thanks for replying, when I ask he says he does it because it tickles and is very chuffed with making his penis grow. Your reply has really reassured me, thought I had said the right thing, so worried as didn't want him ever to think it was wrong.
He is enjoying school but is really missing nursery, its the first week so hopefully will settle down soon.

Mine boys are five and two and they are both awful for fiddling from time to time.

DS1 is not too bad at the moment, but DS2 feels the need to 'check if my willy is getting bigger Mummy' on an almost hourly basis.

It will pass and possibly come back again

Very normal. My youngest is 7 and is still rather obsessed. he has stopped fiddling though now (at least in front of others ).

You are handling it the right way, no fuss, it will soon pass.

Hmm if it looks red and sore then he might have ballinitis (not sure of the spelling!) - the discomfort might be why he seems to suddenly be fiddling with it. GP would be able to give you some cream - perhaps keep an eye on it?

Thanks everyone, your replies are much appreciated.

Shoewhore, its only red after he's being playing with it, he really does go for it, but will watch out for that.

Just googled balanitis will check for this tonight at bathtime.

Check he's not playing with it because it's sore.

Then I'd just tell him to do it in private, or distract him, or tell to stop or he'll make himself sore.

Totally normal.