@mother.of.angels, they've been talked to its gotten worse

Definitely actually quite common for that age they are exploring, but you do have to talk to the pediatrician for tips.

I agree with all the comments but I strongly recommend counseling. Health plans and medicaid should cover it. If not, look for a discounted counseling program in your area. Not all counseling services are expensive, that's a misconception. @ya0515

@vella89, no I haven't I just ignored it kinda bc I figured him exploring himself is normal. Idk how to even ask that question. Bc like I said they aren't normal children I mean in the head. He may just look at me like I'm stupid.

Have you asked the 4 year old why he does it @ya0515 ??

If you at all suspect past abuse, still talk with them and consult the pediatrician immediately as the behaviors could be linked to PTSD

yep! as crazy as it is. its all part of childhood curiosity. A lot of kids around the age of 4 start really to explore their sexuality. Some children may even begin with masturbation. it is disturbing and not anything to take lightly but usually a few discussions about private parts, personal space, and bad touch are all it takes for them to get over it all. You can play games on personal space as well. Look on Pinterest. My favorite is creating a wearable "bubble" out of yarn and a hula hoop. If the behavior does not stop, definitely follow through with the pediatrician.

@ready4mommydaughtermoments, they don't watch TV. not much of anything sexual they can see. @showersoverflowers it's common? its just really scary. I know they'll explore themselves but each other? I've told them it's wrong. They're not normal kids though

You said you have a baby, so I'd keep her very close. I wouldn't even let them play together alone. It's not their fault and they have obviously been abused because that is learned behavior. You may not want to but, I'd scold them each time they try, even when they whisper and they think no one hears. They have to know that it's absolutely unacceptable. Refrain from watching anything remotely sexual and sit down to teach them about good touch and bad touch. A therapist would help, so if they have Medicaid you can call a pediatrician and get a referral if they don't, you should apply right away for them since their mother is incarcerated they should be approved. A social worker might get involved but that would be ideal, that way you don't have to figure things out alone.

its very common for kids around that age to be very curious so explaining boundaries is extremely important. I had a brother and sister that were 11 months apart. the brother tackled his sister on the playground and began to touch her. She was laughing hysterically. When we spoke to them separately, they both said "but he/I was only tickling me/her" They had no idea there were bad parts to touch others. We spoke with the parents and they also explained good touch/ bad touch. they also had them stop bathing together. My teaching assistant was super freaked out by the situation but its crazy how common these things are. If you have already tried these discussions, talk first with their pediatrician who can give you a referral.

@mommy2babyg, when something like that happens it usually means they could have been molested. I'd usually say call child services, but they're in your care and you are obviously a good, concerned aunt...

@mommy2babyg,

I doubt it's for attention bc she's in jail. I think something happened before we got them bc they weren't in the best of situations. All I can think about is protecting my 1 year old daughter from this.

yes maybe they been through something dramatic that's causing them to do that or BC their mother in jail

@mommy2babyg, I'll do that in the morning. I just know therapists are super expensive. But they are the only people that can ask the right questions. The 4 year will talk but the 3 year won't talk to anyone.

omg that is scary , maybe you need to look up a therapist