Soothing/Rocking

[M1234]

My three year old child has been "rocking" with her blanket between her legs for over 2 years.  This seems to be a soothing mechanism for her.  What started out as her method of winding down to go to sleep for the night has now turned into her method of relaxing anywhere (in front of TV/being on her own/while being read to).  When asked why she does this she says that "it tickles".  She has been told that this is something that should be done in private.  However, she does not understand why it should be private.  She told me that she does this at her daycare.  How do we approach her without making her feel ashamed and making her understand that this is something to do behind closed doors on your own (not in front of the entire extended family)?  Please help!!!

[sophiesuprise]

to m1234,
Have you considered that she may have allergies?  She may be itchy at certain places and this may be a way she is relieving this.  I had a friend whose daughter did a simular thing.  She is now in her teens and has been diagnosed with severe allergies.  Just a thought,

[Bree741]

If this is something that she has been doing for 2 years, why is it bothering you now?  Is it more than just rocking?  If you've let her do this for all this time and now decide that it is inappropriate she may be confused.  Decide if this is something that is just calming for her or sexually related.  If the former it seems quite innocent.  Ask more questions.