Penis/Anus - when to comment?

[peilover010202]

So, my ds is 33 months old and recently he's been amused by putting his finger in or near his anus. (yuck)

Anyway, I'm a gd mama, so I try pulling him to the side and explain WHY it's not appropriate (explaining that poop comes out of his anus and I've even showed him his anus with a mirror, hoping that would take the curiosity away.) Well, that really hasn't been working so great - he's still doing it - but now he just tells me poop comes out of "that".

Dh has been just telling ds it's "gross" to do that. But, my instinct tells me this is wrong and will make ds feel "naughty."

So, have you been through this and how do you approach it?

[MsDoula]

I've found that drawing attention seems to make that type of thing worse. I personally would ignore it altogether, just make sure to wash his hands ALOT. LOL Good luck.

[LynnS6]

"Your anus has germs in it that can make you very sick (it's true) and they can get the rest of the family sick too. If you want to stick your finger there, you need to do it in the bathroom so you can wash your hands right away after you touch it. You need to wash your hands EACH time you touch it."

Then after you have this conversation just say "OK, let's go wash your hands." each and every time he does it. Be really boring about it.

We've been through it with the penis. He can touch is penis all he wants - but in his bedroom or the bathtub (I'm not fighting THAT fight), because that's a private part of his body. Most kids I know would rather quit playing with themselves than go off by themselves! And it's not teaching them it's dirty, it's just something that you get to do on your own.

[*quatroveces*]

I agree with MsDoula.

DD3 went through a stage where she would put her hand inside the back of her pants. I just ignored it. I made sure she didn't do it in public (which she didn't...I'm glad) and she eventually stopped.

Hang in there. I'm sure he's just curious and will stop doing it in no time.

[lisac77]

I just let it go and make sure he washes his hands a lot . My sister and mom have tried to curb the penis fondling (we're potty learning, so lots of naked time), and whenever they try to tell him not to do it, he invariably replies, "No, it's MY penis!" Indeed.

[afishwithabike]

"Your anus has germs in it that can make you very sick (it's true) and they can get the rest of the family sick too. If you want to stick your finger there, you need to do it in the bathroom so you can wash your hands right away after you touch it. You need to wash your hands EACH time you touch it."

I agree.

[ediesmom]

I would try to explain to your dc that it is dangerous to put his finger there because it is the inside of his body and his hands may be dirty and he could get an infection that a doctor would have to take care of. There is also the possibility of scraping himself, which might need medical attention.

Of course this might just make him wash his hands BEFORE he does it, but it might work.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

"Your anus has germs in it that can make you very sick (it's true) and they can get the rest of the family sick too. If you want to stick your finger there, you need to do it in the bathroom so you can wash your hands right away after you touch it. You need to wash your hands EACH time you touch it."

Then after you have this conversation just say "OK, let's go wash your hands." each and every time he does it. Be really boring about it.

We've been through it with the penis. He can touch is penis all he wants - but in his bedroom or the bathtub (I'm not fighting THAT fight), because that's a private part of his body. Most kids I know would rather quit playing with themselves than go off by themselves! And it's not teaching them it's dirty, it's just something that you get to do on your own.

: This is what we do too ... lately it's been fingers in/near the anus because both boys had a rash and it's been itchy. I just try to repeat that the anus is where your body gets rid of things that could make you sick, so you need to make sure your hands get washed after touching it. (We've also made a point that with the rashes, they could make it worse by touching it before it's healed.) We don't even bother with penis touching (unless it's each other's! then we try to make it more of a "it's better to stick with touching your own type of thing).

[OakBerry]

My ds does this too, but only in the bathtub, so he's clean, at least.

[NannyL]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

"Your anus has germs in it that can make you very sick (it's true) and they can get the rest of the family sick too. If you want to stick your finger there, you need to do it in the bathroom so you can wash your hands right away after you touch it. You need to wash your hands EACH time you touch it."

Then after you have this conversation just say "OK, let's go wash your hands." each and every time he does it. Be really boring about it.

: Of course you want him to wash his hands every time to avoid the spread of germs, so this not only is necessary from a health standpoint, it also makes it less appealing. (Unless he also really loves to wash his hands...) I also agree that you shouldn't make a big deal out of it. Just matter-of-fact, let's go wash your hands now.

[peilover010202]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I really like the idea of not making it an issue - just "let's go wash our hands." Thanks!

[~member~]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

"Your anus has germs in it that can make you very sick (it's true) and they can get the rest of the family sick too. If you want to stick your finger there, you need to do it in the bathroom so you can wash your hands right away after you touch it. You need to wash your hands EACH time you touch it."

Then after you have this conversation just say "OK, let's go wash your hands." each and every time he does it. Be really boring about it.

We've been through it with the penis. He can touch is penis all he wants - but in his bedroom or the bathtub (I'm not fighting THAT fight), because that's a private part of his body. Most kids I know would rather quit playing with themselves than go off by themselves! And it's not teaching them it's dirty, it's just something that you get to do on your own.

: That is what has worked for our family, too.
I have also noticed it occurs when they have a rash or are itchy, and it's not really about pleasure nor exploration.

[BurgundyElephant]

Pinworms (or seatworms) affect what, 1 in 4 kids? I would definitely keep washing his hands. Also check for worms (you can do a google search on how). He may be touching because it's itchy.

My little guy discovered his penis for the first time the other day. Got a big grin when he pulled on it then cried when he couldn't let go. Still learning how to use those hands!

[Marsupialmom]

I would check him for pinworms curiosity could be caused by iritation.