My son is touching other kids' faces

In the past I've seen my son touching other kid's faces, like wanting to tickle them or for fun. It was a thing happening maybe once a month. I always said to him not to do that, hands to yourself, and talked to him about personal space.

Well, on these past days I saw the same situation on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday morning. I repeated the same stuff to him. Yesterday I picked him up from school and his teacher mentioned the same... that lately he is doing that a lot with the unfortunate situation that at lunch (he has school lunch and eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches most of the time) he touched a girl that has nuts allergies. Luckily nothing happened to the little girl

I feel so frustrated because it seems that all of those talks have not worked and the situation is going from bad to worse. I don't know what to do! It clearly annoys other kids. Yesterday I set the rules (no touching faces and if you are going to touch another kid's hand or arm, etc you need to ask first if it is ok) and said to him that if he doesn't follow the rules a treat or privilege is going to be taken away. Well, yesterday afternoon in a playdate he did it again! It is like he doesn't think about it

Has anyone gone through this with their kids? He is 5 and in kindergarten.

Today I went to school to help out with lunch and choice centers and, at least, his teacher told me he didn't do that up until that moment.

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks! (for reading this soooo long)

Re: My son is touching other kids' faces

It sounds like an impulse that he can't control. I would speak to the school counselor on how to redirect. It may be as simple as a squeeze ball for him to hold when he feels the impulse to touch someone's face.

Re: My son is touching other kids' faces

I agree that it seems like an impulsive thing that needs to be addressed in the moment. Maybe in addition to what you already said, practice where his hands should be, eg in his lap, by his sides, crossed over his chest. Give him plenty of reminders just before he enters specific situations. I definitely think you should seek out someone at school to help.

But I think it is atypical to ask before touching someone to hold hands or as most of my sons friends do to wrestle. I think asking might make him stand out to other kids. Possibly, He needs to learn to read their social cues instead.

Obviously my advice is just based on what you said and may not work for you and your son. Hope this resolves quickly.

Message edited 3/10/2011 12:16:08 AM.

Re: My son is touching other kids' faces

I agree it sounds like a possible impulse control issue. I would discuss it with the school counselor and run it by his pediatrician as well.

Re: My son is touching other kids' faces

Thanks everybody! I haven't stopped thinking about this for a second. I contacted the counselour at his school and I'm waiting to hear from her to schedule an appointment. Thank you for your words!