This is a very common phenomenon at this age and totally normal. Your son is exploring and learning about his body, and he is telling you what he thinks about it! This is a good thing.
At a very young age, children begin to explore their bodies. They may touch, poke, pull or rub their body parts, including their genitals. It is important to keep in mind that these behaviors are not sexually motivated. They typically are driven by curiosity and attempts at self-soothing.
Curiosity about genitalia is a perfectly normal part of early sexual development. When little kids touch their own genitals or show an interest in looking at other people's private parts, they are most likely doing what young children are born to do: learning about themselves and the world around them.
When children are young it is natural and healthy for them to explore their bodies, and in the process they may learn that touching certain parts of their bodies feels good. Because this is natural, they may not think of it as a “private” activity.
Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they're 3 years old. There's no rush. If you start too early, it might take longer to train your child.
The area may itch. In severe cases, it may be hard for the child to pee (urinate). Balanitis caused by bacteria causes the skin to become bright red. Yeast can cause red and white spots, as well as fluid leaking.
Up through 5 to 6 years of age, both boys and girls may touch their genitals anytime, anywhere – during diaper changes, naptime, or even in public – because they find it feels nice and is comforting.
Young children practice self-stimulation through thumb sucking and genital play, with a peak at age 2½ years. In general, most of these behaviors are self-limited to the preschool period and are usually viewed as normal, common, and expected behaviors. These habits generally do not signify psychological maladjustment.
By the age of 8 or 9, some children become aware that sexual arousal is a specific type of erotic sensation and will seek these pleasurable experiences through various sights, self-touches, and fantasy.
This means you draw his attention to when it is happening so he can stop. So you don't end up haranguing or embarrassing him, often it is best to agree a code word or a signal as a reminder to stop. Such signals can include saying the word “hands” or tapping your fingers.
Sometimes, kids with sensory issues or development disorders or a child who has had some sort of trauma does a lot of diaper diving, but for most toddlers it's just that urge to explore that motivates. All normal, natural, age appropriate at this point.
It is normal. In this age a little toddler would discover the feeling of identifying and touching his body. Since this part of his body is covered most of the time so once it is not covered, he will try to touch it. Some toddlers are even fascinated with the place they poop from.
Self-stimulatory behavior is not unique to individuals on the autism spectrum and can be seen in neurotypical individuals as well.
In reality, neurotypical people stim, too - they just might not realize it. Common examples of stimming include rocking, clenching fists, tapping fingers, and humming. Some people stim in response to anxiety or stress, while others stim when they're bored or fatigued.
Sensory processing issues are often first recognized during the toddler years, when parents notice that a child has an unusual aversion to noise, light, shoes that are deemed too tight and clothes that are irritating.
But it is completely natural for babies to explore their bodies, including their genitals. New parents often wonder if this is typical behavior. In fact, it's incredibly normal. They're exploring their body in the same way they learn about their noses, toes, ears, and fingers.
Yes, humping behavior is completely normal for children.
Humping behaviors show up during different ages and stages of development. To get technical about it, renowned psychologists like Freud have noted thrusting and humping behavior as a normal part of development cycles for decades.
Foreskin retraction may happen immediately after birth, or it may take several years. Some boys can retract their foreskin as early as age 5, but some may not be able to do this until their teenage years. Retraction of the foreskin should not be forced.
As this occurs you may notice a white, cheesy material, called smegma, released between the layers of skin. You also may see 'white pearls' develop under the fused layers of the foreskin and the glans. These are not signs of an infection or a cyst. Smegma is just skin cells that are shed throughout life; it is normal.
Wash the exposed part of the glans gently with warm water. Then, dry it. Do not use soap or leave soapy water under the foreskin. This can cause redness and swelling.
The jump from wearing diapers to using the toilet is a huge childhood milestone. Most children will complete toilet training and be ready to stop using diapers between 18 and 30 months of age,1 but this certainly isn't the case for all kids. Some children are not fully out of diapers until after the age of 4.
Visual cues and prompts can be a good option for autistic children. You could try creating a visual support or schedule to show your child the steps in using the toilet. You could use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or other visual aids.
Start by telling him that the potty is his very own. You can personalize it by writing his name on it or letting him decorate it with stickers. Then have him try sitting on it with his clothes on. After he's practiced this way for a week or so, suggest that he try it out with his pants down.