Boy Mom Advice

[Bumble Bee]

I need advice as a boy mom, because I don’t know how to handle it. My 4 yr old is obsessed with his private area. He is always talking about it, playing with it. He runs around naked and it’s difficult to get him in clothes. I don’t know how to get him to stop.

We have discussed with him over and over that it is inappropriate. We have explained the concept of “private”. We have given him time frames for getting dressed and a consequence for not doing so.

This seems to be normal little boy behavior, but I don’t know how to address it anymore.

 

[tturt]

Could you point out to him that others aren't doing that behavior in family settings? Characters from His favorite movie or program aren't behaving like that?

Praise him when he isnt.

 

[Bumble Bee]

Yeah, we ask him if daddy does that or if his grandpa does it. We talk about potty germs. He will parrot it all back to us whenever those conversations pop into his head, but then a few minutes later he is doing it again.

 

[Rebecca Jo]

Distraction! Maybe also a gentle vocal reminder. (I wouldn't use "no," but instead a sound like "uh ah" that just gets his attention.) And then have something else for him to do, since it's likely just a phase. Distract him enough, and the obsession may fade away.

My youngest is 10 and has ADHD, so distraction is still in play for us. Latest issue: his shirt collar being in his mouth and getting all full of slobber. (His older brothers would manage to chew their shirts that way.) I bought him some teething items - a package of shark's teeth on string, plus a fake cookie on a string that resembles an Oreo. He enjoys them, and he's starting to think about why he was sucking on his shirts. Maybe he'll figure out a strategy that eventually doesn't require the teething toys!

 

[Bumble Bee]

Oh my goodness both my boys suck the necks of their shirts!!