Is it normal for my toddler to explore

81% Normal
11 Comments

Okay so my stepdaughter's mother and I have completely different views when it comes to parenting. And a few months ago while giving my 3 year old stepdaughter a bath I put a little bit of soap in her hand because she wanted to be a big girl and wash her hair and body on her own. But she immediately went for her privates. In fact every bath since then, that's the first place she's gone. She is constantly putting her hands down there! I've talked with her mother about this and she believes it's normal, I dont. Her mother tells her that that's "her" time and she can do that and explore when she's alone in her room. So my question is...Is this type of behavior normal for a THREE YEAR OLD?

Voting Results
81% Normal
Based on 107 votes (87 yes)
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Comments ( 11 )
  • Lizbit
    14 years ago

    If she was 8 years old and touching herself in public that would be inpropper. But she's three and doing it during a private time (yes your there but in all honesty your just background). My friend's twins (a boy and girl) started doing similar things at that age... You probably did too.

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  • Ihave2try
    14 years ago

    Very normal, children at that age start exploring already. She doesn't know it's something unappropriate for her age.

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  • chuy
    9 years ago

    Yes normal especially for a child this young don't over work it she found that touching herself down there feel good she don't know why but it dose let her be just keep an eye on her so she don't over do it and ends up hurting herself

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  • detroitlove81
    12 years ago

    I am a guy and just on a limb might be thinking that she is perplexed that she can be inside herself? i dont know. I would agree though that if i had a daughter, it would make me feel really really weird...

    I am surprised that no one brought up the fact that its not your daughter you're bathing...

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  • red_gal_85
    13 years ago

    her mother is right its completely normal. I know it seems weird but your stepchild will be a healthy adult because of being raised this way (if there taught their body is gross and dirty it can really mess them up)

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  • lama54
    13 years ago

    Yes it's normal, they have just found something new and are in awe of it ! I agree w the rest , don't make a big deal of it and she won't think so much about it

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  • Kayli
    14 years ago

    Dear Private Privates,

    It is completely normal! There have been studies done to prove that children just like to "explore" what they have when they are little. They are just curious little things and learning. Perhaps because you are the stepfather, it makes you uncomfortable to watch that happen. Don't worry! I'm sure you did it too!

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  • psychobabble
    14 years ago

    Completely normal!

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  • grumpybarbie
    14 years ago

    Normal. We all did it, it stops being a public display around five. For future ref, if your child does it, do not yell or shame your child, you'll make for that child having issues later in life!!!! I'll bet you a million bucks no one spoke of sex when you were growing up!

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  • Jessica1381
    14 years ago

    Yes it's normal. I have two daughters and one will be 4 next week and at about age 2 and a half she started exploring herself. As a mom I was freaked out seeing this however as I researched it more by looking on babycenter.com and talking with her doctor and a friend who has a daughter a little older than mine they all confirmed this. They say you shouldn't tell them it's bad or anything but you can try to distract her on to something else so she will stop! I do that cuz even though they say it's normal it's still ocward for me but I don't wanna make her feel bad so I just try to distract her with toys or something while in the tub, ya know! I do suggest reading up on it at babycenter.com because they explain in a lot of detail and it's too much for me to type out for you on my iPod touch so check out that website! Good luck!

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  • TDG
    14 years ago

    Yes it's normal, don't be a prude. My 1 year old boy already is fasinated with his weewee, and he experiences little erections as well. It's all part of our sexuality and being human. Don't create a child that is ashamed of this by making the 3 year old feel it's bad or wrong to learn and explore her own body.

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