3 year old keeps showing me his penis, asks if i like it

[RYANSMOM]

My 3 year old has discovered his penis.  Now suddenly he started asking me, "Mommy, do you like my pee-pee?" then if he's getting dressed or something, he'll show it to me. 

Is this normal for boys to go through?  I dont know how to approach this because i dont want to make him ashamed of his body.

what i have said to him is: "don't say that, it is not nice and that his pee-pee is private and not to show people, which is why he wears pants"

i am afraid he will say this at school to another child or even to a teacher.  He also said it to his grandpa, who helped show him how to pee-pee in the potty when he was potty training.  he then proceeded to tell grandpa that he liked his pee-pee.

help please

[sam82]

i am laughing a little as he is so young but it is a serious issue, my cousin used to tell her little boy more or less the same as you have said to ur son and that when it was out the birds would come and get it. but it was all in gentle humour.

i dont have any kids but i will say to my cousin as he r little boy done the exact same, and he is 4 now and doesnt do it anymore!

[rachaelersk]

i am laughing too. quite simply dont be too serious about it, i just used to say to my son put it away i dont want to see that and also if you play with it it may fall off so leave it alone. Boys are fascinated by them. Not really sure why!! If it makes you feel any better my son is 8 and whilst i was collecting laundry from his floor he was trying to stick his in my ear.....pleasant.

[RYANSMOM]

Thanks for the answers, I am so releved to hear my son is not a pervert!!!

I thought it was proubably normal, but had to make sure.

Thanks

[callisto]

no need to be embarrassed ......kids all do the most embarrassing things espeically when they know it gets a giggle.... deal with it as you have done so try hard to keep straight face and all will be fine until hes 16 !

[morg_monster]

My cousin's 3 yr old son was sitting on the sofa with his grandad, watching tv, with his hands resting in his pants, and suddenly piped up "Grandad, if you put your hand in here you can feel my penis!"

[Robinia]

This has reminded me of my very early days at school, aged about 5. Every time I turned around it seemed like the boy who sat behind me was checking his was still there!!  I remember his name - pity he's not on Friends Reunited, I just might be tempted to remind him!! :-)

[smudge]

That cracked me up Robinia!

[blueeyedlass]

woh i had a great giggle there reading all your answers. my son is 2 and a half " so this is what i have to look forward to" lol.

[Solarjunkie]

He probably has also said "Mommy, do you like my toes?" but you have forgotten that as it does not have the same overtones.

Deal with it exactly the same - yes you do, every bit of him is special, but if you don't hurry and finish getting dressed you'll miss the bus!

If he gets an erection, as children do from babyhood sometimes, just liken it to the muscle in your arm bulging when you bend it, ie "each part of you has to practice for when you're grown up". Again, the more matter of fact you are, the quicker the moment passes!

It is a simple fact that handling your penis feels nice, so a habit can easily develop, not strictly sexual but rewarding. Distraction is the key here, until a bit older when it can be explained that there are things people like to do in private, like using the toilet, and people prefer it if they don't have to watch.

Years ago I was told that all this little habits go in six week cycles, and I have found that to be broadly true, so with any luck in a few weeks he'll have novel item to discuss!

[justineo]

Hi ryansmom

Just tell him the truth.  Tell him its an important part of his body for having a wee and he should take care of it like any other part of his body.  I've always told my daughter the truth about her body from when she was old enough to talk and she understands the function of her body.  Dont' confuse the child with moral issues and sex.  Those concepts are not yet in their brains.  When he talks about it, agree with him and start talking generally about all his body parts and start teaching him the proper words for things.  It's no easier for him to learn the word pee pee than penis. 

[Birchy]

AND....if your parenting issues need talking through - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - call Parentline Plus. Completely FREE OF CHARGE on 0808 808 2222 ... National Charity NOT judging you, and NEVER suggesting that you're a bad parent simply because - every now and then - you get stuck! No matter too small to discuss.

[justineo]

Sorry Ryansmom for using your question to remember funny things children say and do but when one of my daughters was about 5 she asked me what a virgin was.  I could only think to say it was someone who wasn't married..Weeks later visiting her 2 unmarried great-great aunts she suddenly said "I know 2 virgins" Before she could say any more my mum took her by the hand and swiftly walked her out through the french windows.  When my aunt asked what she had said my dad said "she said "I saw 2 pigeons". Fortunately they seemed to accept this and I quickly changed the subject.

[hellywellywo]

dear ryansmom that has perked up my day.  i don't think you need to worry about it too much as long as you don't make a thing out of it he is not likely to say in an outside situation.  I do think you have the right idea to gentley say other people don't want to see your pee pee etc.