4 Year Old Issue

[McScribe]

Our four year old boy has a problem: he occasionally gets an erection. It seems to really bother him, and then he frets about getting dressed. (sometimes getting upset to the point where he cries.)
We've tried:
- praying over him very calmly
- encouraging him--letting him know that it's okay, it will stop if he just leaves it alone and relaxes
- just holding him for a bit, letting him snuggle with his blanket

But I'm not sure about what to do. He doesn't like to get dressed when this happens but I don't want him to think he can just decide to not put clothes on when he feels like it. Are there any suggestions at all?

 

[MckDawg04]

So far as I know it's just a natural occurrence that really can't be controlled much. Especially if he's only 4.

I don't know that anything can be done about it except maybe asking his pediatrician about it. I imagine the response will be somewhat similar though.

The only other thing I might suggest (and it seems as though you've already tried) is to just explain, simply, what is going on and that it isn't anything to be worried about.

Hope this helps.

 

[Everlasting33]

It sounds like you have made come up with some good suggestions on your own. Are they pretty effective?

Another option that came to mind when I was reading your post was distraction and play. Naturally, children love play and distracting them away from it (after explaining it and doing the other suggestions) may help. Saying something like, "oh...lets see who can bunny-hop the fastest around the table! or do you think you can help me with my puzzle?"

 

[MckDawg04]

Steelerbred33 makes a very good point. Distraction would be a great tool to help the issue.

 

[McScribe]

Distraction helps a lot, yes. A lot of it was more that by unfortunate coincidence he'd be moody to begin with or something when it happened. Since last week he hasn't had any trouble.

 

[Krystina661]

This happened to my boys too.. like everyone else said.. distraction is the best thing. But as far as it happening.. it sounds normal except for him getting that upset over it. I hope he is not in pain. Maybe have him checked out and talk with your sons doctor to be on the safe side.

 

[Robinsegg]

If getting dressed at those times is uncomfortable for him, have you considered trying boxer shorts instead of briefs? If that can take care of the discomfort, it may take care of the issue about getting dressed.

Personally, I'd call the pediatrician. The medical professionals may be able to give you some advice on a way to handle this (both physically and emotionally) that will make sense

Rachel

 

[heart of peace]

Hmm..could he perhaps need to urinate? When this happens with my son, I encourage him to see if he has to pee and usually that helps relax things.