Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Rubbing and Humping at 15 Months | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
I have a 15-month-old little girl. She likes rubbing between her legs and humping things. Is this a normal behavior? If it is, why don't people talk ever talk about it? I feel very embarrassed to have any one watch her, because I am worried about what every one is going to think. Please give me your thoughts.— Worried Mom in Hermann, MO. | | | ANSWER |
April 25, 2001 | | | Dear Worried Mom,
Masturbation, which is what you are describing, is a normal behavior in babies and young children, even though it is embarrassing to their parents. It's a shame that masturbation is such a taboo, because it leads many parents to worry unnecessarily and sometimes to react very negatively. There is no medical or psychological harm to masturbation. In time, children learn that certain behaviors are unacceptable in public. Many, if not most, continue to masturbate in private.
From a medical point of view, it's worth checking with her doctor to see that there is no irritation or other cause for discomfort. For example, pinworms, an intestinal parasite that many children pick up, often causes itching in the area of the vulva, which can result in rubbing. That said, most of the time young children rub because it feels good. They also tend to rub when they are sleepy or bored, so keeping them occupied with interesting things to do is one way to reduce the rubbing.
When you're out in public, you can distract your child or gently move her hand away. In private, especially at nap and bedtime, it's probably best to ignore her masturbating. It's a good idea to talk with any babysitters ahead of time, so they don't feel uncomfortable.
For more about young children and masturbation, see this article on masturbation, and for another parent's question, see question: A 2- Year-Old who Masturbates.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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