Inappropriate 'messing'

[catnip29]

My 3 year old often lies on her front on top of some soft toys which she gathers around her front bits and pushes herself into them. I know its totally innocent and she must just enjoy the sensation but I don't know the best way to deal with it as it is obviously something I would like to discourage. She asked me to leave the room earlier while 'I just do this'...I distracted her with The Little Mermaid DVD but it's becoming more frequent. I am becoming increasingly worried that if I handle it badly it may affect her. I hope I'm not the only one to come across this???

It's normal.. adults don't like to think our kids can get those 'nice' sensations that we associate with being an adult.

As they get older we can explain that some things are private and to leave them for alone time. It does happen naturally.

If it's happening loads.. is here anything that could be causing her to want to comfort herself more?

I think distraction is the only thing at that age though.

Thank you. That's very comforting to hear x

I'm sure its pretty normal. Im sure shes just learning how her body works and discovered a new sensation. Obviously due to her age she doesnt think theres anything wrong with it. Just try and encourage her that its a private thing and thats all you can do. If it comes incredible frequent to the point its affects day to day life then maybe ask a doctor or health vistor or someone? Im sure theres somewhere you can ring for child health advice if you google it.

If its any help (bit embarrassing to say) I remember doing thing like this when I was in my early years! Its completely harmless as i said, at that age you dont know. and im pretty positive its nothing to worry about :) x

My daughter does the same. Has done from being under 1 ( 2 in feb). It gets her to sleep. I dont discourage. She'll grow out of it. :)

Perfectly normal - just explain to her that it's fine, but it's a private thing and she should save it for her room when she's alone. I'd say she's already picked up on your embarrassment because she asked you to leave the room. Try to be breezy about it and don't give her a complex.

If she rubbed her knee because it felt nice you would not think twice. It is your hang up - it is not sexual in a child of three. Just ignore it.

Thanks. I appreciate you all taking time to give me your opinions x

Catnip my daughter did this aged about 4. I was highly embarassed and tried to distract her. I read lots on the internet and the consenus was what others have said.... It's normal, it's harmless, don't get worked up about it. She used to do it a lot it seemed, but it's very occasional now, she's 5. I must admit I don't like it on the odd time I see it, instinctively I ignore it because I don't want her to feel she is "naughty". Try to distract her, works everytime for me.

DD has been doing this kind of thing since about 1. At the same age as the little boys discover heir penis, she discovered her bits too - I was so surprised as I didn't know little girls did this! I asked a HV and they said it was actually really common.

DD would rub it as soon as her nappy was off, and sometimes would sit up with her legs apart, lean forwards and wiggle back and forth. Reeeeeeally embarrassing in front of MIL, but again - I'm told at groups that it is normal.