Mom of Boys....Does Anyone Have a Kid Who "Rubs" Themselves???

One of my boys rubs his leg on the floor - kind of like a humping motion - to go to bed at night or if he is tired. This past weekend it seemed to be all the time and I was wondering if maybe I should ask my doctor about it. We had friends over and he did it in front of them and would not stop. It's so embarrassing and I was writing it off that he was tired, but this morning when I went in to get him he was doing it on the floor and he just woke up. He does not seem to be in pain or discomfort....just wondering if anyone else has any experience with this.

I just tell him to stop rubbing and he does, but then he will wait until I am not looking and start it again.

Thanks for any advice you can provide!

Re: Mom of Boys....Does Anyone Have a Kid Who "Rubs" Themselves???

Not a mom to a boy- but having worked with little ones, I can tell you this is pretty typical behavior. At that age they don't have the understanding that there are some things that should be done in private- all they know is that it feels nice.

It's OK to talk to him about it rather than ignoring it. Just make sure he understands that it's perfectly OK to do in PRIVATE, but when he's out of his room, he shouldn't do it. When you *catch him in the act* try redirecting him ("hey, lets color/watch a movie/play")rather than calling attention to it. You don't want to embarrass him.

Definitely talk with the pediatrician s/he will help you figure out how to talk to DS about it.

Re: Mom of Boys....Does Anyone Have a Kid Who "Rubs" Themselves???

It's completely normal and completely natural....

My son doesnt do this (yet) but 2 of my girls have/do....

I just always redirected them and explained to them that it's something that they do in private in their own bed...

They figure it out rather quickly....

There was a post about this not too long ago. If I find it I'll attach the link.


ETA: Here's the link. My response was from something that I found online that I thought explained it very well..

LINK

Message edited 3/30/2009 8:30:48 AM.

Re: Mom of Boys....Does Anyone Have a Kid Who "Rubs" Themselves???

My SIL had the same issue with her oldest son and now with her little one. He used to hump this huge Spiderman stuffed toy. To be honest with you she just ignored him and he grew out of it after about a year, but I totally agree with the other poster I would address it with him and tell him it's ok to do this but it has to be in private. Good luck!!!

Re: Mom of Boys....Does Anyone Have a Kid Who "Rubs" Themselves???

Thanks ladies. That is what I was thinking, but I just wanted to make sure I was not ignoring something that could have been worst.