Subject: possible sexualized behavior
Question: I have a two and a half year old boy, he is still breastfed for comfort and sleepy time, but other than that is just like any other toddler.
He starting potty training and will pee all day in the toilet, but he only goes behind a couch, under a table or hides when he has to poop. Just trying to give you all the information you may need here.
I have kids ranging from 20 years old down to him and have never experienced his type of behaviors. My concern is that he loves to have his tummy touching mine when feeding, that isn’t so bad, but I run a daycare and I have seen and noticed that he will lift his shirt and other children’s shirts and touch tummies.
I find this odd and it concerns me because I wonder if it could have something to do with still breastfeeding. He does not watch sex, is not exposed to anyone, but me, since I run a daycare, and is otherwise perfect.
Do you know what he could be getting from touching tummies?
Answer: Dear Lisa:
Let’s start with the tummy touching. Not a biggie unless he is forcing other children to let him touch their tummies. Probably does comfort him to touch his tummy to you and therefore he thinks he is comforting others when he touches their tummies as well. (Possible explanation, I am sure there are many). Tummies are pretty soft.
The potty training thing is not uncommon either. As you know boys take longer. Maybe he is not ready yet. Buy books which talk about potty training. Get a potty chair with the reinforce of music or sound that plays when he goes in the chair. Make potty time a fun time for him and possibly he will pick it up quicker.
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
