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8 yr old Masturbates At School

I am at my wits end about this issue with my 8yr daughter. She is currently in the 2nd grade and we found out in 1st grade that she masturbates during class. This happens 2-3 times each day at school. We told her that it was normal to do so, but only in private like at home in her room. She seems to understand when we talk to her, but the problem has continued thru 2nd grade. We don't really know if its anxiety related, just a bad habit or poor impulse control. Other than this issue, at school, she is an excellent student, well liked by classmates, but somewhat introverted. It has not affected her work and tends to occur when she is somewhat bored and at her desk. Her teacher says my daughter doesn't appear to be stressed and corrects the issue by asking her to sit up straight or hands on the desk. At home, she is overall a good child, but tends to have a short temper, has a few irrational tantrums that blow over quickly, shows some fears of being alone during the daytime and especially at bedtime. We had her evaluated by a social clinician last year who determined her to have some mild anxiety and generalized fears. We've tried to follow the suggestions the clinician suggested and overall, my daughter's behavior has improved, but the masturbation at school has continued. Also, she occasionally (1-2 per day) does this at home, but always in her room.  BTW, I've read many of the other postings about this topic and totally agree that it is normal for a child to masturbate, but only in private. Is anyone else having this problem at school. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
    
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Avatar universal
The last thing you want to do is make her feel ashamed of normal behavior. Perhaps you could try to understand why she's doing it at school? Absolutely right to tell her it's normal and validate that it feels good but that it's also something she should do in private. I remember masturbating in front of people as a child for no reason other than that it felt good, and I didn't know what I was doing or what it meant. I had no concept of sex. It just felt good and I thought it was fine. It is fine--but it's not a good idea to do it in school. Just try to understand why it's happening there.
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Avatar universal
this may sound odd but have you had her evaluated for her learning capabilities? let me explain.. if she is not understanding her school classes, she may not be interested ie: anxiety about it and this is something that she enjoys doing so she may do it instead... on the other hand, if she is gifted, she may bore easily and become bored and do this instead.. there is a reason she isnt interested in school.. just have to find out what it is.. =-)
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Avatar universal
Has it been suggested that you redirect her interest to something other then herself? I caught the word "bored" and wonder if that should not be looked at more closely. I know kids can tend to act out when they are not involved in something that will hold their interest. Just a thought.
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