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cheesehead mom Forum Pro
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Posted: Sept 17 2008 at 10:40pm | IP Logged
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Sorry ladies but could not find this in the archives...please direct me to any previous discussions! Now as a mom of 5 boys (and 1 tough daughter), 12yr on down you would think I could answer this one but I am in need of some tips. My high strung 7 year old (melancholy/very sensitive) seemed to get over the boy habit of grabbing his p**nis all of the time a number of years ago. However, he is doing this so much lately that it is driving me crazy! It has obviously become just a habit (he says it "itches" but medical concerns are ruled out) so I feel I need to redirect him somehow. Dh has spoken to him but honestly he is with me most of the day and I need to do something...aside from tying his hands behind his back, yes it is tempting!
Any suggestions?
Laura in WI
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folklaur Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Sept 17 2008 at 10:58pm | IP Logged
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Could you use a code word with him? If he doesn't realize he is doing it, that may help make him aware without drawing unnecessary attention?
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Erin Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 23 2005 Location: Australia
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 2:17am | IP Logged
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Laura
Totally relate here It is a habit I am sure. I've tried the discrete moving his hands away gently. Giving him 'a code look' and a code word. Now I've moved it up to publicly saying something - in front of his male siblings I mean. I'm now trying for peer pressure. My boy's is more often when he is sitting listening to stories, mmm maybe I need to give him some beeswax to mold.
__________________ Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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organiclilac Forum All-Star
Joined: March 30 2006 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 12:12pm | IP Logged
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When my son used to do this, he was much more likely to do so depending on the type of clothing he had on. If he was wearing something structured, like jeans, he never had a problem, but if he had on something more loose like sweatpants or knit or nylon shorts, his hands would drift in that direction all the time. We had already discussed that those parts are very special and not to be played with, but when he would do it unconsciously, I would just ask if he needed to use the bathroom. He knew what I meant, and would stop.
__________________ Tracy, wife to Shawn, mama to Samuel (4/01) and Joseph (11/11), and Thomas (2/15)
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trish Forum All-Star
Joined: April 11 2007 Location: Canada
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 5:09pm | IP Logged
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organiclilac wrote:
When my son used to do this, he was much more likely to do so depending on the type of clothing he had on. If he was wearing something structured, like jeans, he never had a problem, but if he had on something more loose like sweatpants or knit or nylon shorts, his hands would drift in that direction all the time. We had already discussed that those parts are very special and not to be played with, but when he would do it unconsciously, I would just ask if he needed to use the bathroom. He knew what I meant, and would stop. |
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Ditto.
__________________ ~ Trish ~
Wife to Les
Mom to 8 Wonderful Kids
+AMDG+
Saintly Soaps
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cheesehead mom Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 08 2006
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 10:07pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for the ideas...has anyone noticed if boxers vs briefs makes a difference with this? My ds is in boxers now. So can I ask what you used for a code word? Assuming here that yelling "hands off!" is not it! I also am trying to get him to maybe fold his hands instead...though I do not want to substitute one unnecessary habit for another necessarily.
Boys, boys. boys:)
Laura
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cheesehead mom Forum Pro
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 10:12pm | IP Logged
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Wow we must have all been posting at the same time. The loose clothing thought is interesting as he really hates jeans...loves sweats. We moved him to boxers a few years back thinking that would help. It did but things started again. Perhaps I should have him wear jeans/khahis for awhile?
I have tried the bathroom question w/o improvement.
So nice to have a forum for these embarassing moments in parenting!
God bless-
Laura
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VanessaVH Forum Pro
Joined: July 26 2008
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Posted: Sept 19 2008 at 3:44pm | IP Logged
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I know this thread has been going for a bit, but I just remembered what a friend told me she did with her then 3yo: Every time he touched his privates, she would make him go to the bathroom and wash his hands with soap and water and broke the habit that way. (however, this did not do much for my son, he thinks washing his hands is too much fun )
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