Uncomfortable Subject.

Very normal! I have three boys 11, 5, & 2. My 2 yr old recently discovered his, and w/ every diaper change or going to the potty he touches himself. It is just a part of growing up and discovering what he has. I wouldn't stress about it as long as he is not doing it in public. I don't think my older boys do it anymore, at least that I am aware of.

Actually, it's a little late! Most little boys have discovered themselves by five years old, so be prepared to see it earlier in your other sons!

Other than that, it is completely normal and natural. Telling your son that this is something private that he should only do in the bathroom (or his bedroom) is absolutely the right response. If you catch him doing it again, just remind him. Eventually, when puberty hits, his natural modesty will kick in and he'll definitely want to hide it!

Just one more thing - this is a great time to talk to your son about inappropriate touching. He needs to know that he can always tell you if someone touches him in a way that makes him uncomfortable. Good luck.

It's not early at all and it's so normal. Just remind him that penises are private and he should explore it in a private place. You might also say that since pee comes out of it, he should remember that he should wash his hands, and he doesn't want to be touching it where he can't get to wash his hands. That gives a rational reason not to do it in a restaurant or anywhere else.

Take this opportunity also to reinforce the message now, that the only people who should be touching it are him, Mommy at bathtime, and the doctor when Mommy is there. It's very hard for little ones to understand all the rules about who touches what when, since some touching is AOK and other touching is just NOT.

Very normal behavior. I tell my kids not to touch them selves down there, because that is where we pee and there are germs. Worked great for my son, but my daughter on the other hand, I still have to remind her that, thats where she goes pee pee and to wash her hands... usually i redirect the behavior to want to go color, or play barbies... I agree about not shaming the behavior, Its just a normal experminting. Good luck!

Yep, he's right on schedule! Starts early and never stops. They just get more discreet with this touchy/feely stuff as they grow up. Little boys are usually so comfortable around their moms, they don't even realize they are doing it sometimes. He will become much more aware of the privacy issue most likely on his own. Little boys ... do they every really grow up??

Very normal. My son is almost 4 and found those parts very early on.

Yeah, my son has pretty much been fascinated with his since birth! But basically, I agree with all the other advice - appropriate vs inappropriate touch, leaving other people's privates alone, etc. Thought I'd throw that one in because my son has become obsessed about trying to sneak a peek at everyone else's lately...just to prepare you! Other than that, just try to stay calm and act like it's not a big deal. If you give him too much of a reaction, he may very well start doing it all the time...everywhere!

I used to care for a three year old who would put a snorkel on it and when it got hard attempt to parade around the house with the snorkel on, you are not alone and he is not to early.

Does he share a bedroom with his brothers? If not you could extend the talk to include the bedroom. Also extend the private areas to include any region covered by a bathing suit. It might also be the right time to talk about hygien if anything is going to come out of the body or go into his body besides food, that should be done in a bedroom or bathroom.
Right now you don't have to include what will happen in 7 years but, you can lay the foundation by talking about things like flossing, brushing his teeth, rinsing his mouth and spitting in the sink. garggling, blowing his nose, picking his nose, throwing up, going to the bathroom and if he has had to use suppositories you colud talk about that too.

It is important to cover that aspect because nature has away of surpising us before we have the chance to have that talk. My friends son had his first at night discharge at 10, he hid the clothes for a year in between his matresses until after the school had the "your body is changing" class and he found out what had really happened and told his dad.

You will do great,
L.

Just tell him to only do that in private, like his room or bathroom.

Once they discover them, they never let go! LOL
Tell him that the areas that go in his bathing suit are private. He can touch those places all he wants in private. Tell him only him, mom, dad, and the dr should also touch his private areas.
Exhale, Mama! You're doing just fine!

you don't need advice you did good mom

You have the right words under your belt! Just let them know they need to do private things in their private space.

this is so funny because my hubby and i was just talking about this ! we have a 4yr old and a 7yr old and both boys ! my 7yr old never ever touched himself like that ...lol but on the other hand my 4yr old is always doing this but when i say "always" i mean only when he is at home ,mostly when he is relaxing and watcing Tv he is also being potty trained and we have noticed this started after we started potty training him ,i am sure this is a normal part of him exploring hisself ...lol

GOOD LUCK :0)

P.S would love to chat anytime

You're doing fine. Five is not early - most kids of either sex discover at about age four that touching their privates feels good.
As long as he understands that anything involving his privates should take place with his door closed, and that mommy and daddy are the only people besides himself that should be allowed to touch him there, it's all good.

I think that is the right approach. I was watching Oprah once and Dr. Laura Berman was on talking about this topic and she said to just tell them its something they need to do in private, exactly what you've already said. Like you said, you don't want to shame him. I also think I remember that she said it won't last too long.