Is Masturbation in Young Childhood Normal?

“I noticed my 5 year-old rubbing their genitals before nap-time? I don’t know what to say or if I should say anything? Is this normal behavior for a 5 year-old?” -Concerned Mom

The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes yet it’s not something we talk about much in the parenting sphere because of shame and stigma that’s associated with masturbation. Because of this - many parents have no clue how common the behavior is. They tend to think their child is the ONLY child touching their genitals and are afraid to talk about it with other parents out of fear due to the lack of knowledge on this topic.

So, I’ll talk about it! Because many, Many, MANY parents will DM me asking the same question. Here’s what you need to know⤵️

Masturbation in young childhood is not what you and I think of in regards to adult masturbation. The best way to describe it is, to a child, they have found a part of their body that just feels good to touch. It’s like scratching an itch – that just feels good.

I know you know this, but let me say it again, you have an adult brain and your child has a child’s brain. A child’s brain doesn’t have any preconceived ideas about masturbation, they are just following their body’s cues and their body is saying hey that feels good – keep doing it.

One of my best friend’s is a primary school teacher, let’s call her Mrs. Johnson for privacy’s sake, and over many years of being in the classroom she’s noticed many of her students - all under the age of 8 - masturbating in class.