H.E.L.P. My 3 year-old won't stop pinching me.

[southernfairy]

So it's like this:

DS is nearly four. I weaned him at 12 months, and he has remained completely obsessed with my boobs ever since. This involves getting into our bed at about 1am every night and pinching/tweaking/generally faffing with my neck and chest til morning. Daytimes are no better - he literally can't be near me without putting his hand down my top and pinching. I've seen loads of forum posts about babies doing this, but far fewer about older kids.

I've tried bribery, stickers, taking his hand away (he just puts it back), passing him to his dad, sitting him down and explaining, and, although I'm not proud of it, massively losing my rag. Nothing helps. I am knackered and cranky and he's so good in other respects that I don't want to make a big deal of it, but it's starting to drive me nuts. It doesn't hurt, it's just incredibly irritating and means neither of us can be getting much in the way of deep sleep. Tips massively appreciated!

I don't know what to do, just massive sympathy as this would drive me insane. The constant being poked and prodded has been one of the hardest things about having small children for me.

Maybe explain to him you are going to have to get up and walk away when he does it? - then do it, calmly and not crossly but consistently.

Or maybe there is some kid of fake rubber kneadable boob substitute he could have... I can't think what though!

It sounds like he's using your boobs as a comfort object. Have you tried introducing a stuffed toy/blanket? So when he comes to you and shoves his hand down your top etc. remove it and offer him the teddy to cuddle instead. Make sure you take it on car journeys with you and it's there at bedtimes/cuddle times and be really consistent with it

Might be a bit extreme, but I remember an old episode of Supernanny where the mum was trying to wean an older child who wouldn't leave her boobs alone. Supernanny suggested a couple of days of wearing a high necked all in one - like a swimming costume or leotard. It needs to be all in one so they can't pull it up, and close fitting so they can't get their hand down the front. It might be enough to break the habit?

When he was born, the maternity nurses at the hospital had loads of knitted boobs so they could show you how to breastfeed without grabbing you. I wish I'd nicked a couple...

Sounds awful, OP. My dd (weaned at just under 2, now nearly 3) doesn't sound as bad as your ds, but does love to cop a feel when she can! When v tired she will often just try to stick her hand down my top. My only solutions are a) clothing which restricts this, and b) distraction. I feel your pain, though! Best of luck!