These behaviors can be addressed, identified, and corrected.” Masturbation Shouldn’t Affect a Child’s Social Lifeįor adults, the answer to how much masturbation is too much is any amount that gets in the way of their daily lives.
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It may also suggest that there may be intrusive thoughts related to their masturbation and need to masturbate. “This may suggest they have a history of sexual abuse or were exposed to inappropriate sexual behavior. “Masturbation is a normal behavior, but it can become problematic when the behavior is no longer private,” says psychologist Sabina Mauro. The goal is to make sure that no one is hurting their child and to foster healthy expressions of sexuality. It’s crucial that parents gently ask follow-up questions and consult with their pediatrician and other professionals if that is the case. In fact, when parents catch their children masturbating for the first time, it’s often in scenarios when they thought no one was around.īut when kids are masturbating in front of their peers, siblings, or adults, especially after this boundary is set, it can be a warning sign of compulsive behavior and sexual abuse. Privacy Is Crucial for Children Who MasturbateĪlthough experts overwhelmingly agree that it’s up to parents to teach children appropriate boundaries about not masturbating around peers or adults, many kids will welcome privacy anyways. But it is private so you only do it in your room, and not when anyone else is watching.’ Say this in a normal conversational tone,” clinical psychologist Samantha Rodman suggests on her website. “You can say, ‘moving your stuffed animal like that is for private. Like with masturbating in general, the best way for parents to respond to this is by reassuring that it is okay to use their toys to make themselves feel good in that way, but only by themselves. The reason kids tend to do this is that these objects are familiar and come with a sense of safety. It can be jarring for parents to see children use their toys, pillows, and even the couch to masturbate before they realize what they’re doing is sexual.
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“It is up to parents to gently give their young children a clear message that it’s fine to feel good by touching yourself only when you are alone and in your bed, setting defined boundaries that specify solo involvement and a specific place only for self-pleasuring.” Children Will Use Props to Masturbate Parents shouldn’t ignore this behavior completely, but they should respond in a calm way that sets healthy limits for masturbation. “Research shows that children as young as newborn infants masturbate by rubbing their crotches rhythmically against the bottom of their crib mattresses,” says psychotherapist Fran Walfish. Babies and toddlers are known for masturbating too, but it catches most new parents off guard. Scientists have even observed fetuses doing it in utero. Masturbating at a young age is surprisingly common.
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What Is the Normal Age to Start Masturbating?Ĭlinically speaking, there is really no age that’s too young for children to start exploring their bodies.