Does your child show signs of regression every now and then? Is he acting younger than his age? This can be frustrating but it really happens. Adults are not the only ones who can suffer from regression, but our children as well. Instead of being upset, parents should understand what they’re going through and the reasons behind this kind of behavior.
Why child regression is so common?
It is not common for children to show signs of regression. This is the phase in which a child shows a behavior that is younger than his age. These can be wanting a milk bottle or pacifier, sucking his thumb, and baby talk.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to your child’s regression. It can be caused by stress, fear, anxiety, frustration, or any traumatic event that he has been through. Being regressive can be some events that are overwhelming for them or which make them be distressed. You can say also when a child is under a regression when he is unlearning he has already learned or not keeping the skills he has mastered before.
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Causes of regression in children
There may be instances wherein you may notice the behavior of the child is going backward. However, if you see they are regressive on the way they talk, sleep, eat, or potty train, you really shouldn’t have anything to worry much about.
Although regression is a normal reaction in children, there are certain factors and situations that cause them to behave regressively. Here are some of them:
- Milestones in their development
- Milestones in their development
- Response to change in their life such as a new sibling, a new house, or new school
- Family issues like parents’ divorce or the death of a family member
Ways on how to Cope With Child Regression
Needless to say, child regression can make parents worry so much about their little one, but most of the time it can be frustrating. The good news is there are a number of ways that might help your kid go through the regression stage. Take a look at these below:
1. Identify the issue.
Finding out the reason for the sudden change in your child’s behavior can help you assure and come up with ideas on how to guide them to proceed to the next phase of their growth and development. There can be times when you find it tough to determine the main cause of your child’s regression, but most of the time the reasons are obvious and clear.
2. Be attentive to his needs and thoughts.
Be attentive to any milestone or changes faced by your child and take time to hug and praise them for their good deeds.
Your children sometimes may do things to catch your attention. So make them feel that you are by his side and everything will be alright.
3. Allow him to be a baby in a limited time.
Quality time with your child allows you to let him know that you can have your own time together. He can act like a baby during this time but when the ‘baby time’ is over, she needs to act like a big kid again. This technique helps in a way that you are acknowledging your child’s need to feel he is younger without judging him.
4. Do not criticize.
Hold your criticism against your child. Instead, you have to be reassuring while making him aware that he is loved even when he doesn’t act like a baby.
5. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings.
It is never right to embarrass your child. Always be sensitive to his feelings. Don’t mind the negative behavior and focus on its good traits. Appreciate his capabilities and value his efforts.
6. Give encouragement.
Encourage your child to stand up and learn new sets of skills again. Do not rush and take it one step at a time.
7. Seek professional help
If child regression continues for several weeks, and you can’t figure out the reason, it is best to consult a pediatrician so your concerns will be addressed.
8. Do anything to fix the issue.
There are easy, practical ways on how to minimize the distress your child is feeling. As much as possible, do this early. Find time to be alone with your kid alone, or ask his nanny or caregiver about any concerns.
Other Reasons for Child Regression
Aside from what has been mentioned above, there are other reasons as to why children suffer from regressive behavior. These include autism, delay in the development, trauma, ADHD, and epilepsy. Always ask the help of your pediatrician about the proper treatments for your child’s condition.
Regression in children is generally harmless. It is a stage of your child’s life and a part of his development response to the environment. However, parents can’t ignore the cases wherein regression can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If there’s something about your child that bothers you, do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician for further information.
Read Also:
- Baby Troubles Sleeping At Night
- Why Do Babies Fight During Their Sleep
- Why Your Child Or Toddler Wakes Up a Lot At Night
