6 Yr Old Boy--can't Keep His Hands off His Privates.

Updated on October 03, 2012
J.B. asks from Fort Branch, IN
11 answers

My 6 1/2 year old son is constantly pulling at the front of his pants. If I question him he says it's stuck. I think it's just a habit by now. But I feel like I'm constantly telling him to stop or that's something he needs to do in private. He has different sizes and styles of undies. Pants that fit, pants that are a little big....doesn't seem to matter. So I guess I just want to know if this is just because he's six and a boy?? :)

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone! I asked if he would like to try some powder to help with the sticking sensation, we're gonna try that. It's all an outside the clothing manuver- so I think it probably is more likely just the man-adjustment type of thing.... He swears it doesn't itch or hurt anywhere and everything looks normal as far as I can tell.
Thanks again!

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

6.......26.......46.......
Dies it ever end? Lol
Hopefully a phase. My 9 year old has been "over it" for a few years, if that's a comfort!

3 moms found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

if it is sticking then get him some powder for his balls, that should help.

8 moms found this helpful

C.M.

answers from Bangor on

Most likley it is just a boy phase. All of mine that are 6 or older have gone through it about that same time (age 5-7). It might be worth a conversation to make sure there is no pain or itch in his groin that is making him constantly re-adjust, and as long as all is clear, just constantly remind him that he needs to adjust himself in an appropriate place.

And I agree with Mom2many... all men and boys do it, they are just better at hiding it as they get older. And a note from my husband "well, the darn thing constantly needs to be readjusted"........ men **sigh**

5 moms found this helpful

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

We're going through this with my 5.5 yr old right now too. You might want to check to see if he has any irritation. My son had jock itch and was incessantly touching, until my husband diagnosed him and we put Tinactin on it until it was cleared up.

He does sometimes do it still, but more for the sensation. We tell him not to do it in public and developed a code word to let him know to stop doing it if we notice it in public. We say, "Napoleon," because Napoleon famously used to walk around with his hands behind his back, so reminds him to put his hands behind his back/stop touching his privates.

5 moms found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

When my son was that age, DH and I would privately joke that our son had his own personal worry stone. If you know what I mean:)

Don't worry, peer pressure will take care of the habit pretty quickly. Just make sure there isn't a rash or itch going on. Sounds like he's been asked about it, and knowing 6 year old boys they're sure to tell you if something it itching.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i have a wonderful photo somewhere of 3 of my little brothers, lined up in front of the wall of our childhood home in bermuda, every one of them clutching his jewels.
:)
it's okay to remind him to unclench, but don't worry too much. he'll grow out of it.
:) khairete
S.

2 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

I would take a photo on my phone each time I saw him do this.. Then show him all of the photos..

Let him know, If you can see him doing this, so can the rest of the world.

I agree to make sure he does not have a rash or allergy.. Maybe consider some diaper rash meds then when he reaches in there, it will be on his hands. He will then realize how often he is doing this.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.T.

answers from Muncie on

Just keep reminding him he's in public and it's hands off. If there isn't an actual rash or other issue you can see then be persistent and gentle.

My husband has to "readjust" ever so often, his most comfortable position is contrary to gravity.

1 mom found this helpful

J.O.

answers from Boise on

We women will never understand,cause we don't have parts that stick. All men and boys do it, only they are a little better at hiding it then say a 6 year old.

Find a word that you can say if you catching him doing it, then ask that he take it to the bathroom until he has it adjusted right.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

My son went through a similar stage about a year earlier. He finally told me it would get stuck sticking up and it scared him so he would try to push/pull/punch whatever he could to get it to stop. I told him that all boy's penises do that sometimes and it is nothing to be scared of. I said talk to dad about it because it happens to him too. My son was amazed that his "hero - big, strong, dad" suffered from the same problem. My husband talked to him and it has been much better. Sorry I can't help with what the conversation actually entailed, but I think just knowing it happens to all boys helped.

S.L.

answers from New York on

Could be a nervous habit, is he feeling stressed over something? New school, new house, ?

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