Rocking

Updated on April 02, 2010
J.W. asks from Saint Louis, MO
6 answers

Hi, I have a 3 year old little girl. When she was a baby she would put her legs together and rock when she needed to go poop. In the last week or so she has started doing it all the time, I find her outside on the ground doing it, in a chair, just always seems like she is rocking. She tells me nothing hurts but she also plays with her peepee. I'm at a loss for what to do. Any advise would be great. Thank you in advance.
J. W.

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A.W.

answers from Savannah on

Its easy for toddlers to do thing s that are strange or even "inappropriate" because they don't understand yet.

To be frank, it probably feels good. And she doesn't know any better so she does it because it something new she's discovered she can do that feels pleasant and doesn't seem to be "not allowed".

You could begin teaching her that playing with her peepee isn't clean and that because its where her potty comes out of, she shouldn't do that - but try not to discipline against it... you do not want to create shame!

I come from an extremely conservative family. As a little girl I wore panty hose and shorts underneath even long dresses. I was so heavily sheltered that I couldn't even leave the bathroom naked, I had to dress after a shower with the door closed before I could come out and go to my room. It gave me such a huge self-esteem complex that eventually led to a lot of problems between my husband and I sexually.

I'm just saying all of this to illustrate how easy it is for well meaning parents to really screw up and not even see it.

She'll stop after you begin teaching her that she shouldn't because it isn't clean. As she gets older and can understand more, you could teach her that it isn't bad or wrong, but that people shouldn't touch themselves in public.

The rocking is probably just associated with comfort and good feeling. She may just be daydreaming and rocking because its a comforting habit.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from St. Louis on

Rocking is also a symptom of Autism. You should talk to her Dr to get advise and narrow down any possible problems to be safe.

L.

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

If you think this is still related to her bowels.............have her movements been normal? If not maybe you should consult the pedi.

Or.........

Your daughter may be have discovered something akin to masturbation. You are wise to be sure nothing is hurting her. Keep an eye on her. If you decide this is a sort of pleasuring don't make a big deal about it. Ask her if it feels good. If she says "yes" then tell her that's okay, but she should go in her room where it is private. That's my guess!

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J.F.

answers from Kansas City on

Both of my daughters also discovered at a young age that rocking and other movements of that sort feel good there. I also worked in daycare for many years and have seen dozens of preschool girls over the years rocking at naptime LOL! We explained that there is nothing wrong with that, but that it had to be done in private- like in their room- it can be a hard habit to break but reminding her anytime you see her doing it with a quiet "private remember?" seemed to help us.

S.B.

answers from Topeka on

She has found that it feels good. It is like masturbating. I can't tell you how to get her to stop. Because once they start something like that, they won't stop. My children also found out at an early age how to do this. It is just natural, I guess.

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M.B.

answers from St. Louis on

Hello. I don't think it should be made into a big deal if she is just doing it because it feels good to her. I also think teaching her that it isn't clean to touch herself will create just as much shame as punishing her would. If she isn't playing in poo, then what isn't clean?

I think the best move is to explain that those parts are private and unless you are alone--or mommy or your doctor needs to help you--you should not touch those parts. That way, you not only keep from creating shame but you can set yourself up for the discussion about how you should not let other people touch you in your diaper area, genitals, etc. Private means it is for you and not other people--which also means they shouldn't see you touching yourself there.

I do think you need to make sure it isn't a constipation or urinary pain issue before you start on all this other talk, though. She might be feeling pressure or something that is causing her to change her behavior.

Good luck!

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