Behavior
“Is it normal?” As parents, we’ve asked that question about our child’s behavior countless times. (Hint: Most of the time, it’s normal.) But just because a child’s behavior is normal doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be addressed, whether it’s separation anxiety on the first day of school or potty-training regression. How do you handle these typical behaviors, and how do you know when developmentally normal conduct veers into something that may require professional help?
Check out articles written by pros and parents alike, along with our many videos on behavior: Chicago experts lead you through common issues like separation anxiety, potty-training and bullying, and offer strategies on how to manage them. And when you need quick reassurances and resources, our discussion forum has your back.
Discussions
Does anyone have more insight on these kids that have reportedly been running into stores on Southport (Lush, Sephora) and throwing mud and garbage at employees/customers, screaming obscenities, and vandalizing? Nextdoor had a post with pictures of the large group and faces blocked. They were well ...
Did your child get mad today? How many times? Did they break anything? Did they hit you?? At Wits’ End Parenting most of our parents have kids with Big Feelings, and more than HALF of our parents have kids who are physically aggressive. And with our help these parents see their kids’ mel...
I’ve just posted a blog on PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)! Have you ever wondered whether your child has PDA? PDA is just what it sounds like: A behavioral profile characterized by significant resistance to everyday demands and expectations. PDA advocates typically view PDA as a "pr...
Our kid made one good friend at her previous school (preschool) who also lives in our neighborhood. We've invited the other friend and her family many times for playdates, outings, events, birthdays, or just get-togethers. We enjoy the parents and would love to keep the relationships going (our kid ...
Sounds so dramatic - but not sure it really is. My 10yo really really really likes video games, as I think most tween boys do. He’s got lots of activities that keep him busy outside of school - he’s doing either music, martial arts, or basketball 5 days a week - but left to his own devices he will 1...
More Articles related to this topic
Embarking on family adventures, such as road trips, airport travels, or exploring foreign lands, often poses the challenge of picky eating. A change in routine, exposure to new environments, and the availability of unfamiliar cuisines can all contribute to a child's resistance to trying new foods. A...
There aren’t many topics that seem to ruffle feathers like the “Gentle Parenting” debate. And honestly, it makes so much sense. At some point the term Gentle Parenting came to be associated with permissive parenting, lack of boundaries, and parents who seemingly never get upset or raise their voice...
As a pediatric physical therapist, something I hear quite often in new assessments with families is that they "knew something wasn't quite right and had questions on it, but were told to wait and see if it was still a problem" at their next pediatrician visit. Many times, things do work themselves o...
My 4 year old is starting preschool in the fall. This is not necessarily a remarkable event — kids start preschool the world over every year, of course — but given our circumstances and the horridness of local and world events since his birth, I feel this milestone is really something worth cel...
I never considered myself a “Zen” person and during the pandemic I definitely let my emotions get the best of me sometimes. I didn’t always remember to practice self-care and I absolutely got overwhelmed. I don’t meditate in silence on a yoga mat in my personal movement studio. On the contrary, I ru...
