Is this normal for a three year old or is it a problem?
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If you take her to a pediatrician for this he/she will only end up writing a prescription that will result in your child being medicated and dulled. I don't think you would want that for her - not to mention the possibility of dangerous side effects that nearly ALL medications carry these days.
It does sound like she has strong OCD tendencies. For HER sake, it might be a good idea to work toward mediating these issues NOW before she goes to school and she has constant problems dealing with others, life and the educational system.
My thoughts are that you might want to consult with a good naturopathic or holistic practitioner who can suggest natural treatments which could help. There is a strong possibility that this behavior might be linked to a food allergy. Also, there are natural options available to treat this type of problem. My husband is OCD and on really bad days he takes St. John's Wort and it helps DRAMATICALLY. I would not recommend this for a child because I am not an herbalist or holistic practitioner - I am just giving you an example. There are also vitamin supplements which have been proven to help. It certainly is worth a try and beats pumping deadly chemicals into your child.
You might also want to consult with a behaviorist who might be able to assist you in guiding your daughter. OCD has been around for a long time and there has been methods developed which can help. Most mental health centers would be able to assist you in locating a behaviorist or behavioral counselor.
20yrsinBranson
Quote:
Originally Posted by liloulou
Thanks 20yrsinBranson...(and everyone else). I have tried to push her a little bit in her behaviors as far as the number of sips she takes and the order we do her bedtime routine (like we'll brush her teeth before getting her PJs on- which we usually do in reverse) and she's been ok with this. I'm still going to watch her, but have decided to not to bring her to her pediatrician yet since she seems ok with deviating from her rituals. I kind of want to "test" her longer and get my notes together.
I think she definitely has her wierd or strict rituals and attititude that her rituals are "right", but I do think there is some normal trying to push the 3 yr old boundaries of control here too.
And you're right 20yrs.... I don't want her medicated for something that could be handled though a behavioral counseler or such. I'm just as weary with holistic supplements as I am with traditional ones actually.
If you are worried that there is a problem, you can't NOT take her to the doctor because the doc MIGHT want to medicate her The doctor can help figure out what the problem is and you, the parent, can decide on the treatment.
as a retired mh professional wait on diagnosing--3 yr olds like set routines at this age--if she is unable to easily adapt to change by the age of 6 i would the consider a pediatric behavioral specialist
If you are worried that there is a problem, you can't NOT take her to the doctor because the doc MIGHT want to medicate her The doctor can help figure out what the problem is and you, the parent, can decide on the treatment.
Thanks for your input. That is not why I wouldn't take her to the doctor... I think I stated my reasons in my last post. It's because I think some of this is normal 3 yr old stuff, and from some good suggestions on here earlier, I'm kind of testing to what degree this extends and making notes about it so I can accurately talk to a doctor if I think I need to bring her to one in a month or two or three. Then of course if they suggest medication, I'd have to really think about it and evaluate how we are going to handle this. Not not going to the doctor because of meds, and if I had thought that way, I'd be wrong. Agreed.
it seems like some of those on here are only reading your initial post. as far as OCD goes, i would rule that out unless it changes to where she doesn't easily adapt to changes. I would watch for counting though. what i mean by that is the need to stop and count everything not just the kids learning to count stuff. I have OCD in the form of being obsessed with 5s and counting. If i start to count something, I have to finish or else it will make me extremely uncomfortable/uneasy/restless until i can finish.
From what i have read. it seems like normal 3 year old behavior at this point. If she didn't have a reason for the 6/4 sips just said that is how many it has to be then i would be worried. All 3 of my older kids went through this phase and my youngest will most likely start it soon (she just turned 2).
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