Masturbation

[Mother In Need]

My six year old daughter is self exploring herself at school.  At first, it happened only at naptime or nighttime but now she is self-exploring while sitting at her desk in school.

When trying to talk to her about it, she gets upset with me and tells me that she doesn't want to talk about it and she won't do it at school anymore.

I've tried to explain to her that self-exploration is normal but that there is a time and place for it and school isn't the place.

I don't know what else to do.  Help, please.

[Mother In Need]

Thanks for the comments.  I've checked my daughter for a yeast infection or sny type of irration and she is fine.  She tells me that the reason she does it is simply because it feels good.  It upsets me only because I don't want the other children making fun of her in class.  She doesn't seem to care that others catch her or that she is not alone.

I don't know what else to do.

Thanks again.

[rich]

My daughter, a 6 year old, also has this problem.  Make sure she does not have a yeast infection and make sure she does not have labial adhesions (labia grown together).  There are safe & easy treatments for each.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You are doing fine. Your guidance to your daughter is very sensible. Be sure that there's no irritation which might be exacerbating the problem, and continue to set limits on her touching herself when she's in situations which are not private.