The Preschooler and Penis Touching Predicaments

Say hello to his little friend!

We've reached the age of male body parts exploration. In public or in private, nothing's off limits.


What is it with boys and their penis? Seriously, is it just me or is there always something going on down there?

Lately Aiden (who is going to be so embarrassed if he ever finds this post and reads it when he gets older) has been spending a lot of time with his hands down there. At home. In private. Outside. In public. At first, I thought he was simply readjusting so I bought him new underwear in a bigger size, but this did not help with his, uh, new habit.

It was totally freaking me out so I did a little research and found that it's totally developmentally appropriate. In fact, he's probably playing with it because, well, it probably feels good. And according to my new best friend, BabyCenter.com, he's just a curious little boy. Totally normal.

But, still. Aiden's hands are not exactly clean, with all the treasures that he finds outside and whatnot.  And then there are the germs. Let's not forget the germs!

Boys will be boys, is what they say.

I know this doesn't have a sexual connotation at all, but Aiden even wants his penis to be longer. Seriously. One day, I saw him pulling on it and I was so sure that would hurt him, so I told him to stop. Here's a snippet of our conversation:

Me: [A bit mortified] Aiden! Don't pull on your penis!!! (We use the real term for all body parts in this house. No "pee-pees" and "wee-wees" over here.)

Aiden: Why?

Me: Well, I don't want it to hurt you.

Aiden: But I have to pull it.

Me: Umm... why?

Aiden: Because... I want it to be longer.

And there you have it.