5 yr old daughter "pleasuring" herself

Take her to a doctor and have her examined. There may be a medical reason why she is doing it.

I agree.

Also the pediatrician may be able to suggest how to handle this behavior.

She's pretty much right on schedule.

You need to spend some time with her about some things being private.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sexual_health/development.html#

1) don't discourage it.
2) encourage appropriate time and place

she's 5 - it's a normal developmental stage

What she said.

She just needs to learn that some things are cool but private.

Read this...
http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/pediatric_health/pa-hhgbeh_masturbation/

If you still feel uncomfortable or unsure about how you should handle this behavior, speak to your pediatrician for some further guidance.

5 years old? several times a day? rubbing on objects? Absolutely NOT appropriate. In fact, it's an indicator of sexual abuse in children or being sexually stimulated in the home i.e. porn on the TV.

She could have a bladder infection, also. She needs to go to a Dr. ASAP.

If your child has been on antibiotics for an ear infection or tonsillitis, occasionally it kills good bacteria and yeast infections can occur. Have the pediatrician check her out. Yeast infections and uti's can pester grown ups and young girls don't always know how to tell the difference. Can't hurt to check it out, if your first suspicion is correct, the doctor can give you the best advice.

Sorry Punky, I clicked reply instead of reply all.

Masturbation in children is NOT a sign of sexual abuse or exposure to porn or other inappropriate material generally speaking.

Unusual masturbation could indicate a need for concern, however, generally criteria for becoming concerned include:

Child masturbating to the exclusion of other activities.

Child persisting in masturbating in public when parents have spent some time assisting child to understand where it is appropriate and not appropriate. (Often kids will unconsciously touch themselves when watching TV and other zone out activities even then, and need gentle reminders)

A child of this age penetrating vagina or use of objects

Child expressing that they cannot stop masturbating and think about it all the time

Child using very adult language when masturbating.

Child appearing upset or angry when masturbating, child of this age appearing very ashamed of the activity or being angry or very emotional when re-directed.

Child harming themselves with the activity



Even in these cases it is quite possible that there are other emotional reasons for the concerning level of masturbation, and that there has been no abuse. One should never ASSUME abuse in such situations.

Carlamitchell...does your little girl appear distressed or upset in any way? Is she experiencing sleep difficulties, unusual bed wetting, changes in eating patterns, nightmares?

I agree with those who have said that you need to let you little girl know that this is a private activity without being in any way negative that she is enjoying her body.

If her masturbation has any of the features I indicated might be concerning, or if she is showing any signs of unusual distress, let us know, if you would like to.