My toddler touches people!

Lalaladybird

She's 2.5 yrs old and is always touching people. For example we were in a queue waiting she turned to a lady behind us with flip flops on and started touching her toes. Then I took her to a childrens show and she was touching other childrens arms, faces etc If anyone come to the house she'll stroke their head or legs or touch their face. It's really embarrassing and she doesn't seem to understand that it is not appropriate.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it weird? Should I be worried?

Person_one

I was on the bus once when a girl of about 3 came and sat next to me and started stroking my hair! I had no idea what to do and just froze while trying to make eye contact with the mother who steadfastly ignored me. I got off at the next stop and waited ages for another bus.

So I'd say just don't ignore it, treat it as you would any other unwanted behaviour because that's what it is! Its weird, but probably not uncommon!

belfastgirl23

My little cousin once attached herself to the legs of a random man in sainsburys because he was furry (he was wearing shorts and had hairy legs) calling out 'soft soft' whilst she stroked his legs. Her mother was mortified, particularly because she had to drag her little girl away bawling by this stage. Yours sounds more normal

building_with_lego

Person_one wrote: »

Its weird, but probably not uncommon.

My friend's little girl is seven now but has always had a compulsion to touch ribbons or smooth, silky fabrics, even if someone else was wearing them. A friend of hers, also seven, complained to her mum that it was a bit wierd, but made sure that she sat away from this girl if she was wearing particular clothes. It's openly known as 'her thing' and ribbons are provided for her on her own clothes so she doesn't inconvenience anyone else!

Bonny1

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

My little cousin once attached herself to the legs of a random man in sainsburys because he was furry (he was wearing shorts and had hairy legs) calling out 'soft soft' whilst she stroked his legs. Her mother was mortified, particularly because she had to drag her little girl away bawling by this stage. Yours sounds more normal

THAT has made me laugh so hard... :rotfl:

THANK YOU for cheering up my Sunday.. lol lol :T

kids are amazing.. lol lol

Pixiechic

Aaah, she sounds adorable! I don't think it's wierd, it's curiosity. Toddlers don't have the same inhibitions that adults have so there is nothing 'wierd' about it.

When I was little I was the same, always being pulled away from some unsuspecting stranger :rotfl:. I remember being told not to touch, stroke, grab someone.

It's just innocent curiosity in my opinion. I have been chatted to by toddlers, proudly shown toys by toddlers, had hair stroked by toddlers. Its so sweet and harmless. I wouldn't worry at all.

Mrs_justjohn

As childrens senses develop they experiment with them. Senses develop at different rates and will often subsidise each other. Your child is just experimenting with her newly found sense of touch and I wouldn't think it is anything to worry about.

lauren_1

Toddlers don't know what is appropriate and what isn't, they learn as they go, next time she does it ask why she did it.

I used to touch satin (in the 80's there was a lot of it, shirts, skirts etc etc) in the end my mum got me various ribbons that she tied to a doll so i didnt have to touch other peoples clothes.

pigpen

My oldest boy had a compulsion to touch other people too.. it started when he was about 2 and I think at almost 19 he still has the need to touch.

First time he did it to my friend she was horrified (he was sat on the floo next to her feet stroking her ankle).. I said oh he likes feeling people if you don't like him doing it ask him not to and he will stop.. he still strokes her now!!

It isn't weird at all and is not really any different to them stroking their favourite teddy.. though the stroked person may not be so keen lol.

Just gently ask her not to do it and move her hands away.. tell her it is tickly or something so she doesn't feel bad about wanting to do it.

BitterAndTwisted

When she does it to a stranger just ask your child not to do it "because other people may not like it". She'll soon get the message.

meritaten

I dont find it weird! babies and toddlers tend to explore the world through their senses - touch, smell and taste being top priorities at this age! I have many times found a toddler touching my hair (perhaps its the silvery bits that attract them) or if I am wearing shiny fabric or furry fabric. you do need to teach the toddler its not appropriate to touch strangers though. but be gentle about it, I would just take the toddlers hand away and say, 'No, we ask before we touch'. and be persistent about it.