I went into to my 7 year old sons room and caught him playing with himself I pretended not to notice and just walked out. I dont know how typical this is should I talk to him?
Totally normal.
I agree with Suz completely.
He needs to understand that it is normal, and it is private. He needs to shut his door when he wants privacy, and you need to knock.
It's normal for some and not for others.
He was in his own room (and you need to learn to knock before entering - just as he should knock on your door before entering your room).
Only talk to him about it if you need to remind him that private things need to be going on in private and not in the living room.
Hmm...interesting first two questions.
Every kid does it, male or female. Just make sure that he knows to keep it private, and make sure that you knock and wait for him to tell you to come in before entering his room.
Extremely. Mine does and he's 7 as well.
Welcome to mamapedia!!
If your son is in HIS room and the door is closed? You need to KNOCK BEFORE you enter HIS room.
Yes, masturbation is "normal". If it happens in public? It's NOT normal. IF he starts touching himself in other parts of the house or in public? You need to talk WITH (NOT TO) him and tell him that touching himself in public is not acceptable.
I would also apologize for busting into his room and tell him that did see what he was doing - proud of him for doing it in his bedroom. Please keep in mind that touching or pleasuring ourselves, etc. in public is not acceptable.
Good luck!
I don't know how typical this is. I will tell you, our new principles, it appears to be pretty structured
I always find these particular types of questions funny. I sort of agree with ℜ❀$eღud❧. This and kids discussing Santa in August (other question) seems a bit odd. But that's just my first thought. If this is a legitimate concern, then sorry.
I think acting like it's something shameful (pretending it didn't happen) is a bit odd. You're acting like you are uncomfortable with it. It's the same as walking in on a child using the washroom. You say "Oops, sorry hon, I should have knocked".
That's what I would do anyhow.
I would only discuss or get into it if THEY came to me about it. I always am available but let my kids know they can come to me with anything - but I don't usually pry or make a big deal. If they looked upset or bothered (you don't even mention your child's reaction here) then I would talk to them.
good luck
avoiding conversations with kids is generally not a great parenting philosophy.
nor is barging into their rooms without the courtesy of a knock. everyone in the family should be taught this basic snippet of good manners.
boys and girls all start masturbating at various points in their childhoods. sure, it's normal for 7 year olds. it's also normal for them NOT to do it until later. who cares? yours is exploring himself now, and that's the only important thing.
i'd go with something like 'honey, i apologize for interrupting you yesterday, i should have knocked. i noticed you were exploring your body. it's a good thing to learn about how it all works, and as long as you're in a private place as you were, it's perfectly fine. if you have any questions feel free to ask. i'm also happy to go the library and get a couple of books that will help explain it all if you're curious.'
and let it go.
and if he DOES come to you with questions (which he probably won't since your embarrassment was way more obvious to him than you want to believe), don't stammer or blush, be calm and matter-of-fact and gently pleased that he trusts you to that degree.
khairete
S.
Yes, normal. It's hanging out there and he touches it when he pees. It feels good when he touches it. SO he touches it more. If it becomes an issue then teach him where he can expect privacy and you are never allowed to breach that privacy again. So you knock, you wait, until you hear him say come in.
