Does anyone’s kids hump objects ?

Question

I been babysitting these 2 kids . When I first started babysitting they would hump to my leg or back. Or they would take off their clothes and like get on top of each other  (they were 2,3 years old ) and it went away !  Now the little boy is 5 years old and he is scared to get in trouble so he stopped! But the girl ..... NO!  She hides from me and goes to another room, takes off her pants and humps to this sofa she always goes to.    It’s just 😣😣😖😖
Ps. They are adopted by 2 men . Yes, I have told them and the kids get in trouble every time but doesn’t seem like it makes a difference . Idk if the kids are seeing this type of things often ! From my part.... I’m trying to let them know NOT ok.

Answer

Hi there! Early Childhood professional here 😊 Just going to offer my opinion/advice. Masturbation in young children is absolutely normal and developmentally appropriate. Children use masturbation as a type of self-stimulated device for comfort. Many researchers even relate it to habits as common as thumb sucking. However, there are some warning signs  and things to be aware of. Masturbation in young children could be a coping mechanism as a result of violence or sexual trauma. What you mentioned, about the children getting on top of each other, is concerning to me because this type of behavior is learned, rather than instinctive. I would be curious to know where they got the idea to do something like that. It is natural for children to be curious about others’ bodies, but it is your job as the adult to remind them that those parts of their bodies are private, and should only be seen by themselves. Don’t make a big deal out of it, but just tell them that you understand what they’re doing might feel good, but it is something that needs to be done in private. Also, make sure the parents are informed about what is happening. Kids are curious little creatures, good luck!

Answer

Humping a sofa alone in her room is fine.  Children are sexual explorers..: they just don’t why things feel good, but they know it does.  I very much doubt her parents are unaware of it.

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Have you told their parents so they can address it?

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my daughter is about to be 3 years old and she has never done anything like that. maybe they have seen their parents do sexual things and are just imitating them

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Sorry. But this isn’t normal. They shouldn’t be humping each other or furniture or your leg. That’s not something to ignore. I’ve heard of kids touching themselves but not physically getting undressed and humping...Just no

Answer

Masturbation at a young age is normal. Children do masturbate and they do explore their bodies. This is normal. What isn’t normal is for their parents to allow them to do this at anytime of day or place. They must set boundaries. For example, a young boy must seek privacy in a bathroom if he intends on touching himself. They cannot be made to think that public masturbation is healthy.