Q: My daughter 5 has a habit of putting her hand down her pants, even when other people are around. Often, it's when she's engrossed in TV or something, and she doesn't even seem aware of it. I don't want to give her hang-ups by telling her off, but it's embarrassing, and a bit of a worry in public when you do not know how others are reacting especially potential paedophiles. I've also noticed that she seems a bit sore down there at times. How should I handle this? AThis is one of those situations that need to be handled carefully. Children love touch and are completely uninhibited. If something feels nice, they will do it. They haven't learnt about social norms, taboos, or shame.

Ask the Expert: He doesn’t even notice he’s doing it but even his teacher has commented


The Sydney Morning Herald
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A bit of self-exploration is normal practice for toddlers. But they still need to know when and where it's appropriate to investigate their bits and pieces. You've bought your toddler some toy trucks, a new set a crayons and a stuffed tiger - and still he seems much happier playing with what's in his pants. Don't panic - this is completely natural childhood behaviour. In fact, ultrasounds have shown that boys can have erections while still in the uterus, and babies will often tug at their genitals just as they would their ears or toes.
Question: My seven-year-old son has got into the habit of putting his hands down his pants and leaving them there. He tends to do it while watching TV and it seems purely a comfort thing. I tell him to stop and he takes his hands away but then a few minutes later he puts them back. This seems a bit worrying that he is doing it when he is outside the home and in public. I was also quite embarrassed when both the teacher and childminder had noticed. Are there any things I can do to help him stop and to break this habit? Answer: Lots of children and adults develop sensory habits which they use as a means to comfort or distract themselves. These can be relatively innocuous and barely noticeable habits such as folding your arms, squeezing your knuckles or even twirling your hair. They can also be habits that stand out more such as rubbing your face, scratching your neck, or flapping your arms. And they can be also habits that are socially unacceptable such as picking your nose or biting your nails.