Help - I really don't know what to do

[sparkler1]

This is a bit of an awkward situation but I am really at a loss as to what to do next. My oldest dd is five and a half and has suddenly become very interested in her girls "bits". She is always fiddling with them and has started to wet herself day and night frequently. I started off trying to "ignore" but the wetting is happening sometimes a couple of times in a day and I felt I should speak to her about it. She has been fiddling with herself with other people around too and I am worried that this may be happening in school. I have sat her down for a gentle one to one chat to tell her that what she is doing isn't naughty but it is something that she shouldn't really do when other people are around. I have also said that the wetting isn't a good thing and that she is a big girl now and should go to the toilet as soon as she feels she needs to go. (we haven't had a problem with toileting at all since she was potty trained). Is it just a phase - thought this was something in toddlerhood - or should I be concerned? Has anyone else going through this and can any advice be offered? Thanks.

You are doing exactly the right thing, encourage her to only "fiddle" in private, but ensuring she doesn't feel it is dirty as you say.

The weeing i am not sure about, d'you think it is linked? could she be experimenting with the sensation? If so i'm sure it'd be a phase she'll soon forget about.
Could be worth getting a urine test to check for any infection.

I haven't got any first hand experience of this - both my children are boys, but a friend of mine had a daughter who was very preoccupied with her bits at a similar sort of age, so you are not alone.

FWIW, it sounds like you are handling the situation perfectly and I'm sure someone will be along real soon who has been through this too.

Thanks. This is a part of parenting that I hadn't really prepared myself for. Fran1 - it was in the back of my mind as to whether there was anything medical behind it. I shall see how things go for another couple of days and like you say a urine sample might be a good idea.

She seems to be a bit better today. Am keeping her busy with things, computer, playdough etc. She isnt bored and therefore has other things to think about.

Could she have a urinary infection? Might be worth while getting checked.

i would check for infection too she may be playing because its uncomfortable and wetting because any one who has had an infection will know you dont get much notice you want to go