I have a child whose belly button must be available for stroking when she naps. She will also play with it when she's upset or tired. I have a 4 yr old boy that just likes to hang onto his penis through the outside of his pants. He always looks like he is moments away from peeing himself. He does this ALL the time. Good point from Reggio about not calling the genital area dirty. When ever I change a poopy diaper I never express an attitude of yuck or stinky. I congratulate on a job well done as I don't want to give a negative impression about the genital area. Of course the kids always handwash after touching themselves in their privates, I just equate this to washing our hands after playtime or after lunch. With the older kids passing gas, I just tell them to go into the washroom when they feel the urge. Again, it's not bad though it is a private act.