Families are in crisis this back-to-school season. Your gift today can give them hope and guidance.

Urgent Need: As the back-to-school season begins, more parents are reaching out for biblical help, but giving has slowed and Focus on the Family is facing a $2 million ministry shortfall.
Will you make a gift before August 31 to help provide Christ-centered support in this critical season?
$
Please enter a valid amount

Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

Your gift by August 31 will help reach them with biblical guidance, restore hope in their homes, and point them to Christ.

Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

Urgent Need: As the back-to-school season begins, families are facing mounting pressure—tough choices, cultural confusion, and strained relationships.

Will you make a gift before August 31 to help provide Christ-centered support in this critical season?

$
Please enter a valid amount

Families are in crisis this back-to-school season

Search

Is It Normal for a Toddler to Touch Themselves?

It’s normal to be concerned about your toddler’s behavior especially when it drifts into the realm of sexuality and physical appearance. Learn how to respond with understanding and boundaries to your toddler’s behavior.

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Toddlers are naturally curious! At this stage of development, it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to explore their private parts.

Actually, this development is a good sign and opportunity for you to begin to build a healthy foundation of body image and sexuality with your toddler.

Here are some things you can do and should know when your toddler starts to explore his or her genitals.

  • Your immediate responses are important in these moments. Remember that your toddler doesn’t quite understand what’s right or wrong in this area. Remain calm with your toddler.
  • Know that your toddler’s exploration of his or her body does not produce sexual stimulation. At this stage, little kids don’t feel sexual pleasure in this way.
  • Start to build the foundation of healthy sexuality with your toddler. Introduce the name of private parts when you feel it’s appropriate.
  • Say things like:
    • “I’ve noticed you touching your private parts a lot lately”
    • “Do you know the name of your private part?”
    • “Why have you been doing this?” “Does doing this make you feel anything?”

As you navigate these complex situations and continue to build a foundation of sexuality for your children, check out more resources here.

YouTube video

About the Author

Read More About:

You May Also Like

School-aged boy with a quizzical expression
Healthy Sexuality

How To Explain LGBT Pronoun Usage To Your Kids

Learn how to address and answer your child’s questions about LGBT pronoun usage. Then, cultivate healthy conversations about how to equip your children to communicate using love, care, and compassion.

A mother and her teenage daughter having a serious conversation in a bright kitchen, symbolizing a moment of open communication.
Healthy Sexuality

How Do I Talk to My 14 to 18 Year Olds About Sex?

Many of us cringe at the thought of ‘the talk.’ Whether we think back on our own experiences, reflect on our parents’ awkward style discuss the ‘birds and the bees,’

Submit Your Parenting Questions

We’d love to hear from you! Share your questions about parenting here. 

Submit Your Parenting Question Here

First Name