Question

A one-and-a-half-year-old girl frequently exhibits actions similar to adult masturbation, such as forcefully rubbing while lying down and crying when picked up, and she will touch the area with her hand. The parents are confused about this and have never sought treatment, hoping to receive guidance from experts.

Answer

Hello! The situation exhibited by the young girl is not a case of early puberty but a behavioral disorder known as “frequent genital rubbing syndrome.” This behavior usually occurs when falling asleep or just waking up, lasting for several minutes, and sometimes children will do it secretly to avoid interference from adults. During an attack, the child may experience blushing, staring, or even sweating profusely. It is recommended to guide the child by diverting their attention and avoiding methods such as punishment, scolding, or mocking. It can be helpful to let the child engage in some physical activity before bedtime so that they can fall asleep quickly. Do not let the child wear too many clothes or be too hot; underwear should not be too tight, and it should be chosen…