Self-stimulating preschooler

This is a bit of an awkward subject, but I've got this preschool girl(3 yrs) who has become quite interested in stimulating herself(down there) by using toys such as big cars, or large plastic animals, or mounting the chairs, or toy garages, or large equipment. She is very forceful when using the objects or throwing her leg over the larger equipment/toys. She is in underwear, so there is no diaper to buffer the impact. I can't predict when it will happen, and she does it so quickly, that I can't prevent these incidents. I have gently tried to redirect to another activity, and removed her from the object. I have talked to her about the possibility of hurting herself etc. I know it's a normal phase, and it feels good, but I'm afraid she'll hurt herself in my care. Any suggestions on what to do to deter her, or how to approach her parents about this topic?? Thanks.

Have the parents observed this behaviour at home? Whenever I have a child that likes to touch their genitalia, I direct them to the bathroom. I give them the message that it is OK to touch themselves but they need to do this is private, the bathroom or their bedroom at home.

Just a side comment - is it possible she has a yeast infection and itches? One little girl I had many years ago did the same but she was prone to yeast infections.

I was going to say , like Rachel that I would talk to parents about possibility of irritation or infection . Improper wiping was a problem for one of my previous dcg . She would "hug" her blankie , once she was on a prescription she just stopped doing it .

Thanks for the insight ladies. She is independent in the bathroom, so perhaps wiping or yeast could be the issue. It's gone on for months, so I was beginning to wonder. I'll mention it to her parents. It's just one of those awkward conversations to have.

I think it doesn't have to be awkward. The parents look to you as the 'expert' on kids. So fake it till you make it :)

Tell them that their daughter may have a yeast infection as her self exploration patterns seem to be escalating. Ask them to take a look and if they see any red bumps or discharge they should bring her to a Dr. If not, then you would like to discuss your standard process for handling in public exploration so that they are consistent at home and d/care.

BTW: My 2yr old has candida (yeast). We would have never gotten in checked if not for the expert observation of her d/care teacher :)

Now go get em!