H.B. asks from Saint George, UT on August 07, 2008
17 Mo. Old Son Playing with His Weiner
I know that is a horrible way to get one's attention, but that's what he's doing. My son is 17 months and constantly has his hand down his pants. I think it has gotten to the point where I need to replace all his clothes with onesies and footies, because that is the only way to get him to leave it alone (and he even finds ways to get past that!) The real problem is that when he plays with it, he leaves it outside of his diaper and pees on everything. This is especially difficult to deal with after naps and bedtime, because there is always a mess to clean up. Anyone have any advice? I have read previous advice on 3 year olds, but I don't think I can reason with him at this age.
1 mom found this helpful
Featured Answers
M.S. answers from San Diego on August 08, 2008
Normal, normal, very normal! I have two boys, now 9 & 6. They both did & still do put their hands in their pants. Just teach him that this is somthing he does in privacy, because other people don't want to see him. If you tell him that he is bad, naughty, etc., he'll have issues. Knowing it is normal, just guide him in th eright dorection. He is still just a baby so don't make a big deal out of it. He'll phase out of it, and right back in again!! He's a boy so don't make him feel badly about his body, just let him know when & where he can do it1
More Answers
A.R. answers from Los Angeles on August 08, 2008
Its normal behavior. However have your pediatrican rule out a urinary tract infection since he pulls it out and pees. He also may be ready for potty training even though hes young.
1 mom found this helpful
C.N. answers from San Luis Obispo on August 10, 2008
Dear H.,
When you see him doing that, just make sure that you redirect his attention without letting him know that you are noticing what he is doing.
Like, um, sit him down in the high chair and give him a couple of pieces of cold ice, and you have to stay there so he won't choke, I know that this sounds silly, but It does give his hands something else to do. Or water play, or bubbles, or I don't know whatever will truly interest and engage him. He will forget to do it and you won't have a peepee sticking out of his diapers. C. N.
J.M. answers from Los Angeles on August 08, 2008
Hi H.:
Your son is not playing with himself,because he seeks attention.This behavior is quite normal for both boys and girls,this age. They find their genitals,and realize they get a certain amount of pleasure from touching themselves.It's not recomended by professionals to appear disgusted or to suggest it's in any way dirty.This can create problems for them latter on in life,when they should feel pleasure,and can't because they have grown up to believe its (Bad )Your son,is far to young to know,what is appropriate in public and whats not.Each time you see him begin to play with himself,tell him,to go do that in the bathroom,or go potty. Tell him that people don't do that in front of others.Its something you do all by yourself.You could compare it to going poop.I'd say "You wouldn't poop in front of everyone"."And this you don't either".I wouldn't nag him about it, but when you catch him doing it,just tell him to go to the bathroom.I wish you,and your growing son the best.
A.H. answers from San Diego on August 08, 2008
When my boys did that, I just pulled their hands out and told them that that wasn't ok. Be consistent and it should at least lessen in frequency. Good luck.
J.L. answers from San Diego on August 09, 2008
Hi H., You just need to tell him, get your hands out of your pants, if you don't nip it in the bud now it may get worse later. I have a 21 month old in my daycare who's is parents just though it was normal, so they did nothing, now at 21 months, he's not only playing with his own, he goes for his dad's too, now they started slapping hands each time, and he is getting better. J.
T.M. answers from Los Angeles on August 08, 2008
Bad habits sometimes doesn't go away. Ny neighbors son at the age of two started doing this and never stopped he is 16 yrs old now and still plays with it right in front of people, I finally started speaking up about it to embarrash him. Although he still does it, not even noticing he is doing it. I think its normal for young kids young babies to find a new object on there body , if your really concerned have him checked for a yeast infection maybe thats why he is rubbing it. I think its a stage, until then diapers then a diaper panty cover then his clothes or something. Give him something to keep in his hands maybe. He isnt to young to understand the word No !!
A.Z. answers from Los Angeles on August 08, 2008
He's not trying to get attention. He's just made a fascinating discovery and it feels good to touch it. Why wouldn't he be interested in it? I'm sure it is hard to have him peeing all over everything, though. My daughter is 18 months old and is humping her car seat buckle. Thank God she's found a way to self-soothe in the car. :-) Kids understand more at this age than they can express. You might try to just continue to talk to him about why it's important to keep his diaper on and give him some naked time each day to do with what he will.
N.S. answers from Los Angeles on August 08, 2008
I used to tell my son to wave good bye to it when I secured the diaper. When he was a bit older, I would look at him touching, ask him if it was still there and then say "good, now say good bye and get your hands out of your pants". Not a big deal.
Email