Toddler Humps Everything: Understanding The Behaviour And How To Deal With It

Introduction

It’s not uncommon for parents to see their toddlers humping everything from pillows to teddy bears. While it can be a bit alarming, it’s actually a normal behaviour that many toddlers go through as they explore their bodies and the world around them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why toddlers hump things, how to handle it as a parent, and when to seek professional help.

Why Do Toddlers Hump Everything?

When toddlers hump things, it’s often because they are exploring their bodies and discovering new sensations. It’s a way for them to learn about their genitals and how they feel when they touch them. It can also be a way for them to self-soothe or relieve stress. Some toddlers may hump things as a form of play or to get attention from their parents.

Is It Normal?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to hump things. It’s a natural part of their development and exploration of their bodies. However, if the behaviour continues into school age or becomes excessive or compulsive, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.

How to Handle It

As a parent, it’s important to respond to your toddler’s humping behaviour in a calm and non-judgmental way. Avoid shaming or punishing your child, as this can create feelings of shame and guilt around their natural behaviour. Instead, provide them with appropriate outlets for their behaviour, such as a soft toy or a pillow. You can also distract them with other activities or redirect their attention to something else.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your toddler’s humping behaviour becomes excessive or compulsive, or if it continues into school age, it may be a sign of an underlying issue such as sexual abuse, trauma, or a developmental disorder. In these cases, it’s important to seek help from a professional such as a paediatrician, therapist or counsellor who can provide the necessary support and resources.

Tips for Talking to Your Child

While it may be uncomfortable to talk to your child about their humping behaviour, it’s important to do so in a way that is age-appropriate and non-judgmental. Use simple language and avoid using euphemisms or slang terms for genitals. Let your child know that their behaviour is normal, but that there are appropriate times and places for it. It’s also important to teach your child about privacy and boundaries, and to let them know that their body is their own and that no one should touch them without their permission.

Conclusion

Toddler humping behaviour is a normal part of their development and exploration of their bodies. As a parent, it’s important to respond to it in a calm and non-judgmental way, and to provide appropriate outlets for the behaviour. If the behaviour becomes excessive or compulsive, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional. Talking to your child about their behaviour in an age-appropriate and non-judgmental way can also help them develop healthy attitudes towards their bodies and sexuality.