It's very natural that your child touches her genitals, it's part of exploring everything around her, namely her body. Toddlerhood is a time of curiosity and exploration, and in order for a toddler to explore things, he/she uses their basic senses, mainly touching; you'll see them playing doctor and patient for example. Children first learn about pleasurable experience as they're cuddled and cared for. Attitudes about sexuality are formed as toddlers notice how their bodies feel, how others touch them, how family members relate and refer to body parts and what behavior seems acceptable. It is part of natural child social development.
How to respond? Well, it's up to you: ignore or minimize it, allow that it feels good, but point out that it's best done in private or redirect a child's attention to another toddler activity.
Respond in a way that's comfortable for you and age-appropriate for the child. Bear in mind that a message that such exploration is bad can create confused feelings about genital pleasure in the future.
* Look for "teachable moments." These happen when parent and child are enjoying each other's company in a relaxed atmosphere. And be careful: children are affected by the way adults react to their questions: in their facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language.
* Casually refer to genitals as another legitimate body part. Make a list of body parts, using correct names, and say them as your child finds them.
* Try to each about privacy and awareness of others' comfort, like by saying 'There are things people like to do together, like eat and laugh and play, and there are things we do in private, like use the bathroom.'
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