[junipertree]

DS who turns 3 in Feb is toilet training, nearly a month now and going really well. Problem is ever since he's been out of nappies he can't keep his hands out of his pants! At home he peels off his clothes and plays with his penis and butthole NONE STOP. I put his clothes back on, he takes them off, I put them back on, he takes them off... and on and on it goes.

I don't have an issue with a child exploring their private parts but I do have an issue with it being constant, especially when he puts his fingers in his butt hole and his hands stink. It's very unhygienic and I don't want him getting sick.

My DH picked up his iphone the other day and DS must have been holding it because as he tried to make a phone call he cried out "my phone smells of toddler a*se!".

On a more serious note, any suggestions on what I can do to discourage the behaviour?

[Lyra]

My daughter went through a similar stage (but minus the butt LOL)
and we just had the attitude of 'it's completely normal but it's a private thing. If you want to play with yourself, then do so in your room'

HTH

[Bunsen]

DS1 isn't much of a grabber but will occasionally - I just ask if he needs the toilet and if he says no I say well then don't play with your penis. He hates being asked if he needs the toilet as he "is a big boy now" so it works as a deterrent.

[belsy]

DS2 is toilet training too and can't get enough of his penis. He is usually grabbing from the outside of the pants though.

I think it is just something new, a new sensation and he will get over it soon enough.

As for the bum hole, no advice, just hope it is a phase for him and he will get over it soon.

"my phone smells of toddler a*se!".

Classic