Hands in his pants
Terri Peters wrote:
"Our 16-month-old son has recently learned how to pull down his pants, loosen his diaper and put his hands down the front of it. At home, we've joked that this is just 'part of being a boy,' but he has started to do it in public - at parties, in the childcare at our gym, etc."
With him being at such a young age, we're not sure how to correct this behavior, or if we should even be correcting it at this stage. Any advice would be appreciated!"
I consulted Dr. Daniel Levy, an Owings Mills pediatrician who's advised us about swine flu, jogging strollers, and how to help a teething baby. Here's his answer:
"Your child is at the age where children are achieving control over bodily functions and showing intense curiosity about their bodies. Small kids have only a limited sense of right and wrong, and no sense of propriety.
"Mix these factors together, and you have instant exhibitionism! Go easy on your child. Tell him "no," when the inappropriate behavior occurs, and offer an explanation of five words or less. Then distract him into doing something else.
"Enjoy that little boy."
Comments
Great advice! Thanks for helping me get an answer, Kate! I really appreciate it!
You are welcome!
Posted by: Terri | September 21, 2009 12:57 PM