Need Advise to a 3 Year Old Flasher

This think this is normal developmental behavior at his age. My son is 3 yrs too and does the same thing. I can imagine your embarressment and shock. I don't think he is doing it for attention but I think that your reaction does affect how he feels about his body. I tell my son that that is something you do in "private" and I try to say it in a nonemotional way. I have never had to explain not doing it in public but I would handle it the same way if I had to.

I am a pediatric nurse and a an early childhood educator but nothing prepares you for caring for children more than parenthood itself!

It is normal and I agree not to call to much attention to it, But have you tried any positive reinforcements??? Like after you talked to him and asked him not to do that maybe have a special treat to reward him with when he gets home from preschool. Tell him if he keeps his pants on then when he gets home he can have a sucker (or somthing else he may enjoy).

Hehe! I have a wonderful picture of my son in just a diaper, hand down the middle, thoughtful look on his face. I have saved it to show to girlfriends *evil grin*. YES, it is normal behavior. I always told him, "I know it feels good but it is not appropriate to walk around with your hand down your pants or to show what you have to anyone else". He is turning 20 (yikes! Ima old!) next week and he certainly doesn't walk around that way now. =) Don't freak out, be calm and guide him.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way but...how do you react to this when your son does this at home? Obviously this is inappropriate behavior but do you gasp, get really upset, raise your voice, make a big deal out of it? If so, your son might see this as a way to get *attention*, even if it is, indeed, negative attention. I would venture a guess that he is doing this at pre-school to get attention from his peers and teachers as well. And, he might be seeking more attention than normal since you are pregnant, so I think your mom is on the money.

I had that problem with my son around the same age. You just have to keep telling him that it isn't nice. Like all phases it will go away once it is old.

OMG...my son is doing the same thing. I never had this problem with my daughter. I just told him that it is private but we will see if this happens again. I was told my his preschool teachers that this is normal behavior for this age and they are really curious about this.

My son did it right in the middle of circle time, with the teachers there and all the kids.