my childs very unusual bevaiour

[hunny11]

Hi,
i have a question pertaning to my 3 yr old...ever since she was around 2 yrs she has been doing various things in order to feel certain something *down there*
at first i noticed she was pushing ang rubbing against the thing that goes between the legs like pillow or a chair. she would get herself going ( pushing and rubbing ) so much that she'd break out in a sweat, breathe heavily and then at the end looks like she was completely tired out. this is so embarrasing if  i am with friends and family.
as time went on shes doing the same thing with her stuff toys , bottle or anything that comes between her legs.
i can tell u that she has never been in a situation where anyone has touched her inappropriately.
i asked her did she see someone doing this or some one asked her to do this? but she says that she do this because she feels good abt it.
i am really worried abt her..do u have any idea wts going on with her? i dont want to punish or scold her for this as shes very young.. is something wrong with her or is it a normal attitude of a child..sometimes i think that its like a game for her which she enjoys doing like having a lollypop or an ice-cream.
n ofcourse dis behaviour is not acceptable in my society..
m very confused
please help !!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Well, you are correct in thinking that the behavior is pleasurable to her and in that fashion really is no different than having a treat. While it can be hard for parents to understand or accept, young children do derive physical sensations and pleasure from masturbation. They usually discover this quite by accident, but when they do the behavior is very reinforcing. The most prudent approach is to set a limit not on whether it occurs, but under what circumstances. Tell her that it is permissible only in her room and only when she is alone.

[hunny11]

thank you for ur concern !