Masturbation in children before puberty, what should parents do?

Currently, masturbation in pre-pubertal children is quite common. However, don't panic if you catch your child put his hand in his pants and do some action only in the new adult. At this point, you should learn about this situation and teach your children to better understand gender. 

Children often play with their genitals. This starts from 2 years to 6 years. However, the story will change once a child reaches pre-puberty as this may not be normal. You need to be skillful in order not to hurt your child or misconceptions about your body and gender.

Is masturbation common in pre-pubertal children?

The answer is yes. In fact, according to a study by the University of Michigan , USA, most boys and girls play with their private areas, especially aged 5-6. By the age of 15, almost 100% boys and 25 % of girls masturbated to the point of reaching orgasm. ( 1 )

Why do children masturbate before puberty?

For pre-puberty, masturbation is an opportunity for children to learn about their bodies. At this time, the child craves to know what pleasure the genital area brings to the body.

Once the baby has discovered the positive and comfortable emotions of the genital area, he will masturbate more often. For babies, stroking the genitals will make themselves more comfortable. This is nothing sinful, children only worry more if parents show stress with these children's behavior.

Some parents will question premature masturbation and try to deal with their kids, but remember, it's very common. You should not scold your baby and never say that the genital area is very dirty and bad, because it can affect sexual disorders in the future. ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Why do children know to masturbate?

No one teaches children how to masturbate before puberty or learn where to masturbate from. I know myself when I'm curious about my own body.

Boys often discover their penis when they are only 6 or 7 months old. This happens more often when you change diapers. With girls, babies will explore their genitals until 10 or 11 months of age.

When you want to explore your genitals, your baby will use your hands to rub it. However, the child will show no facial expression when doing this. You also shouldn't associate masturbation with an adult.

How should a child start talking ?

Masturbation is normal. Don't scold your child as soon as you catch a masturbation, but start talking to your child.

1. Masturbation is normal

Understand your baby's desire to be comfortable with her genitals and isn't something bad. This is part of normal sexual development.

In addition, masturbation in children not only helps develop children's progressive thinking but also allows them to love themselves. Therefore, sometimes genital massage is not a harmful thing or a sign of psychological problems.

2. Do not disrespect children

When talking with your baby, you should not let go of any insults or disdain about the baby's body. Children should not have any shame about their body, especially the genitals and as long as this does not affect their daily life, it is not necessarily too serious.

3. Guidance on limits

If you allow your child to explore his or her body, you should also set the necessary limits and respect your child's choices at the same time. Be careful about the message you convey to your child. The difference in speech and body language can lead to misunderstanding.

4. When masturbation is not normal

Playing with your genitals will become a problem if your baby masturbate too much. You won't be able to call it a discovery, but on an unusual trend. These behaviors can lead to medical complications.

In girls, too much rubbing can damage the urinary tract and cause infection. For boys, too much stimulation can be painful. This is when you need to intervene.

5. You also need respect

When you talk to your baby, make sure he feels respected. Children who are more confident will be less likely to touch and curious about their private areas.

At the same time, children will be more likely to masturbate if they have free time and may eventually develop a habit of masturbation. When you see your baby put his hand in his pants, engage him with other activities.

6. Scare doesn't work

It doesn't work if you keep intimidating your baby when you catch your baby masturbate before puberty. Many adults like to threaten children like going blind or getting sick ...

The above things only scare children at first, but gradually they will not trust you anymore and become more curious about their body. Furthermore, if they find out that you are lying, your child will not seek your advice on gender in the future.

7. Act wisely when children act to masturbate

If you find a child masturbating, do not blame him and make him feel wrong. A conversation is essential, even if it's not easy for both you and your baby.

In addition, confiding will help children understand more about the body and form trust. In addition, the lessons on sex education can be applied from now on.

8. Find other relaxation techniques for your child

Many people think that masturbation is a way to relieve stress on pre-puberty babies. So you should find other ways to help your child relax.

Find out why your child worries, then support him to relieve stress by encouraging him to participate in physical activities such as playing ball, jogging ... When talking with your child, you are not only less anxious. but also know clearly about the behaviors that the baby is doing.

When should I be more interested in pre-puberty masturbation?

In the case your child has a too early understanding of sex:

When masturbating before puberty is obligatory or affects other activities of the baby

If com masturbate with another kid

When masturbation causes pain

Children masturbate to reduce stress and comfort

Masturbating between the mouth and the genitals between the two children

You find your child is unhappy or moody all the time

If masturbation causes damage to the genital area.

The above signs are signaling masturbation has a great impact on the life of children. This is the time when children need the attention and intervention of their parents.

aFamilyToday Health  does not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.