My daughter just turned 2, and I have noticed a BIG difference in her attitude in general. She is more aggressive and has started throwing more tantrums. Is there any advice about turning around these tantrums? Is there any kind of repercussions that are not too harsh for a 2 year old? I'm not sure what to do.
Erica, Richmond, KY
Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:
Tantrums in two year olds are not unusual, although can be difficult to handle. It is important for you to remain calm so that she doesn't get a reinforcing reaction from you. The first thing you...
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My daughter just turned 2, and I have noticed a BIG difference in her attitude in general. She is more aggressive and has started throwing more tantrums. Is there any advice about turning around these tantrums? Is there any kind of repercussions that are not too harsh for a 2 year old? I'm not sure what to do.
Erica, Richmond, KY
Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:
Around the age of two, tantrums are more common in many children. This is typically because children become frustrated in their inability to communicate their wants and needs...or because they... See More Details
My daughter is 3 years old and just recently started preschool. The other day her teacher told me that she is having a lot of trouble staying focused and spacing out. She is also not listening to the teacher when the teacher tells her to stop doing something that she isn't suppose to be doing. Do you think she might have ADD? Is there any way I can help her to stay focused and to get her to listen to the teacher when she is first asked instead of her doing the bad thing over and over again? Please help.
Tiffany, Midwest City, OK
Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:
First, let's remember that your daughter is three years old. Three year olds have very short attention spans. It is not unusual for a child her age to have trouble staying focused for any length... See More Details
My 27 month old son has started repeating a word 3 to 4 times. For example, if he wants to tell you that the dog is asleep he will say, "sleep, sleep, sleep" and point to the dog instead of saying "dog sleep." Or one time a man gave him a ball and he will show you the ball and say, "man, man, man." The only way we can get him to speak in a full sentence is if we have him repeat after us one word at a time. Should we be worried? He does this constantly.
Carrie, Comanche, OK
Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:
I wouldn't be too concerned with this situation. It's a developmental matter of not being able to extensively verbally communicate the entirety of his environment. At 27 months old children are...
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My daughter is 3 years old and just recently started preschool. The other day her teacher told me that she is having a lot of trouble staying focused and spacing out. She is also not listening to the teacher when the teacher tells her to stop doing something that she isn't suppose to be doing. Do you think she might have ADD? Is there any way I can help her to stay focused and to get her to listen to the teacher when she is first asked instead of her doing the bad thing over and over again? Please help.
Tiffany, Midwest City, OK
Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:
The first thing to consider is making sure your daughter is getting goodnights sleep and eating a healthy breakfast in the morning. These will help her get off to a great start. It is important to...
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My 27 month old son has started repeating a word 3 to 4 times. For example, if he wants to tell you that the dog is asleep he will say, "sleep, sleep, sleep" and point to the dog instead of saying "dog sleep." Or one time a man gave him a ball and he will show you the ball and say, "man, man, man." The only way we can get him to speak in a full sentence is if we have him repeat after us one word at a time. Should we be worried? He does this constantly.
Carrie, Comanche, OK
Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:
The time table for language development can be broad, and there can be a few stumbles along the way. Repeating words at 27 months of age can be a normal part of development. Your son is able to make...
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My son is 31 months old and he doesn't know how to talk yet. He can say a few words but they aren't spoken clearly. Should I be worried? When is the right time to start talking?
Denisa, Salem, MA
Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:
By 31 months of age your son should be expanding his vocabulary. Your child should be able to recognize and name familiar people and objects form simple phrases and sentences and follow simple...
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My son is 31 months old and he doesn't know how to talk yet. He can say a few words but they aren't spoken clearly. Should I be worried? When is the right time to start talking?
Denisa, Salem, MA
Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:
At 2+ years old with a few words spoken but not spoken clearly, I'd be somewhat concerned. Word formation and vocabulary development typically occurs earlier. I'd consult a physician and look into...
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I registered my 4 year old daughter for summer school. I am worried she will not want to stay at the new school with the new students. I have a feeling she is going to cry and be reluctant to stay. What should I do, and what should I tell her in order to prepare her for summer camp?
Cristina, Inglewood, CA
Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:
At age 4 it is important for children to learn or continue to learn to socialize with peers in different structured settings. Meeting new friends in a new environment can present a number of...
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My two year old grandson has been waking up in the middle of the night for about a month. There has been no change in his routine. When he wakes he refuses to go back to sleep and he cries until he falls asleep. What should I do?
Monica, Mansfield, GA
Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:
Even the best sleepers can suddenly have sleep problems. Sounds like your grandson may be experiencing night terrors. These are common between the ages of 2 and 6 and occur in about 15% of younger...
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