Toddler Afraid of Own Private Parts?

My son went through the same thing when potty-training. He played with himself and got an erection and started screaming "make it smaller!" I picked him up and tried soothing him and let him know it gets bigger when you play with it but gets smaller when you leave it alone. I just kept trying to soothe him and in a few minutes the erection went away and he calmed down. I pointed out that he seemed okay, but he still got upset whenever he got an erection. I had to again remind him that it was normal and it would go away. It eventually got better. Good luck.

What does he see an OT for? Does he have a disability? I would be looking at what could impact him and his reactions? It wouldn't hurt to mention it to the OT since he/she probably sees your child on a regular basis. My son saw an OT and she was wonderful. I'd tell her all kinds of things that my son was doing not just the OT related things. I definitely think this problem is worth mentioning to someone who can help you identify why he is doing this and steps to a solution. Every behavior has a purpose behind it. Good luck!!! :-)

My two cents is he may have accidentally hurt himself down there when he was "exploring" and now he is afraid he will again. Little boys are very sensitive there! I would just continue on as normal...ignore the melt down and don't make a big fuss...just make bath time...fast...maybe try some new bath toys or bath crayons?

Probably in water, it causes an erection.
He doesn't know what is going on.
It is a 'weird' sensation for some kids.

Also, whenever the private area is changed, per diapers, it may cause an erection too.
Hence, making him react to it.

I am assuming his dad is in the picture. Has he seen his dad naked? If he has seen you naked, he may think that something isn't right with him, because you don't have what he has. Maybe have his dad shower with him and let him see that dad has the same parts he does. As for when he had an erection and freaked out...it may have hurt when he touched it by moving it wrong or something like that. I've taken care of a lot of boys and have never had any scared of their own parts. He may have had erections before and that is what is scaring him. You didn't say how old he is either, that can be a factor. HOpe this helps some. Good luck and God Bless.

Could he wear a swim suit in the bathtub. I had to do that with my daughter for awhile, we had huge bath time issues (did not want to be naked, no reason why, did not like water on head/face/ears) and just for fun I said lets put on your swimsuit which went over well (still had water on head issues, but that is getting better since she turne 4 years old).

Keep strong mommy, you are doing a great job.

Ok, first off No age listed and secondly I would suggest talking to the OT if it's about sensory processing, I wonder if he even knew he had that to begin with and just now realized. I would say to a degree it's a good thing meaning the OT stuff is working, so long as that is the reason.

Do you have a shower? That might be less threatening.

I would also talk to the docs/OT about how to handle it as it does sound like it could be a potential sensory issue.

However, keep in mind it could be totally normal. As kids grow and become more aware with developmental leaps, things that never bothered them before can become scary for awhile.

Hang in there.