Q: Am I a bad mom because I don’t feel guilty leaving my child to take time for myself?

A: Feeling guilty is a waste of time as long as you leave your child with someone that you trust is loving and competent. Leave a number where you can be reached, in case of an emergency, and GO! Good for you in recognizing the need to take some time for yourself! It will benefit both you and your child. You will return with a fresh perspective on your child’s needs. Taking time for yourself will make you a happier and healthier person and, in turn, a happier mom.

Q: My three-year-old has started to stutter to the point that several family members have brought it to my attention. Should I be worried?

A: Stuttering is very common at this age and should not be something to concern yourself about. The average child’s brain is working faster than the child can verbally communicate. In an effort to tell you everything, the child often will stammer. Try to overlook it. Asking the child to repeat himself or to slow down can further frustrate him. When speaking to the child, speak in a slow, even-toned manner. If the stuttering does not lessen within a few months, bring the matter up to your health care professional so that she can advise you on your child’s individual situation.

Q: My child has started banging his head on the floor – repeatedly! My husband and I are concerned that he may be causing himself permanent physical harm. Have you heard of such a thing? How can we get him to stop?

A: Children often bang their heads into the floor or on objects such as their crib. There is no known reason why they do this but it is not uncommon. Typically this behavior occurs between 6 and 18 months of age and does not cause permanent damage. The best thing you can do is to ignore the behavior. Often a parent’s reaction ends up reinforcing an unwanted behavior by giving it undeserved attention.

A Hot Tip

Instead of throwing out holiday and birthday cards that people have sent you, save them. Using decorative scissors (available at most craft stores), you and your family can cut out small objects from the cards and glue them on folded pieces of construction paper. You can add a ribbon or a small piece of yarn, if you’d like. In no time at all, you will have a supply of homemade gift tags for future use.

If you have a question that you would like answered, send it to Child Chat, in care of Health Monitor, The Bee Publishing Company, PO Box 5503, Newtown, CT 06470.

 

Barbara Gaines has a degree in early childhood development and has been a leader of the post partum support group at Danbury Hospital. The mother of two young children and three older stepchildren, Barbara lives with her husband, Richard, in Sandy Hook. Tina Fiorella lives in Bethel with her husband, John, and their two young boys. After putting her degree in psychology to work for several years in the mental health field, Tina is now a stay-at-home mom. Both women and their children have been involved in various playgroups and organized activities in the area.