Question
A parent inquired about their 5-year-old child’s persistent behavioral issue, where the child frequently clutches their hands together and rubs them rapidly on the genitals. The parent has tried reasoning and punishment to correct the child’s behavior, but to no avail. They asked for advice on how to resolve this problem.
Answer
Experts suggest that a child of this age may not understand sexual behavior or the meaning of their actions, and the parent’s excessive reaction may actually reinforce the child’s behavior. It is advised for parents to stop paying attention to this aspect of their child’s behavior and to trust that the child will naturally abandon it. If the child has no physical health issues, there is no need to be overly concerned.