Masturbation, which is often seen as playing with one's genitals, is a behavior that creates anxiety and panic in the family. When the little child sees that he enjoys this behavior, which he discovered by chance, he continues it. If the child does not receive a reaction from the family, this behavior disappears or decreases over time. If the family's reaction is great, the child will continue this behavior secretly. While this secret behavior gives him pleasure, on the other hand, it causes him to feel fear and guilt.
Masturbation can be seen in children who have no problems, but it can also be seen frequently in children who are distressed, timid, insecure and anxious. In some children, loneliness can be seen as a repeated behavior in situations of sadness. Research findings have revealed that masturbation is more common in children who grow up alone, in those who grow up deprived of love and attention, in homes where excessive discipline prevails, and in homes where the family is overly sensitive to sexual issues. Some children masturbate only before falling asleep, some do this while listening to stories or watching television, and some resort to this behavior especially when they are distressed and to relieve their tension.
This behavior is more common in boys than girls. Scolding or beating the child with the aim of destroying him, making fun of him, scaring him by telling him that his genitals will be severed, frightening him by telling him that he will get sick, threatening to cut off his genitals are mistakes that should be avoided. These mistakes cause the already anxious child to become more restless and reinforce his/her existing feeling of guilt.
Suggestions:
Trying to get to know the child
determining the child's place within home, family and school and reviewing social stimuli
Discovering the real reason behind this behavior (e.g. deprivation, lack of stimulation)
Establishing a good dialogue with the child and showing the love and attention he needs
To allow the child to express himself and voice his problems
To provide the child with the necessary materials for creative activities and dramatization games (e.g. dough, clay, sand, water games, art activities, etc.).
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