Abrupt change in my son's behavior?!

Sharon - posted on 02/26/2010

I agree with those who suggest talking to the doctor. You can talk to your obgyn too. It could be the shots, it could be an age thing, and it could be he senses your feelings about everything including your going away. You say your mom will be watching him while you are gone, how often is she around now?? In the weeks before you go, she should definately be coming by a few times a week for a few hours at a time to help with all this adjusting. Stay as calm as you can, keep a routine, and continue to show your love and caring. Good luck. Smile. And enjoy fun times with him reading, playing, and talking.

Sharon - posted on 02/26/2010

Sounds crazy but maybe he senses that you are anxious about going away and the eating less and fear of baths are just his way of expressing it especially as you are getting anxious over these things. The reaction to the jabs is jut unfortunately at a time when everything else is happening and your mind is going into overdrive which is very natural. Kids do get temperatures after jabs. My little boy is two and he loved his baths up until hair washing in the big bath. Even now he still screams when I go near his hair to wash or cut, he goes into convulsions and gets physically sick when having either done and it is very worrying. I was told its a phobia some kids have and when the water or hair falls over his face and head that it panic's him and he will grow out of it. Try getting in the bath with him and save hair washing for a seperate time, I do hair at sink on different day and it is becoming much calmer and baths more enjoyable. The eating I wouldnt worry about unless he is losing weight or has less dirty nappies, most kids go through that stage, their taste buds develop and they discover new textures and food becomes fun and different. I dont envy you having to leave your baby but try not to worry so much and enjoy the time you have together before you go or you will worry yourself sick when you do go.

Jennifer - posted on 02/25/2010

My son did this too and does it about every three years. they just go throught stages and you have to stand firm on what makes you waver on routine, because a lot of times they are just testing boundaries even if they portray that they are afraid or needy. Just be firm but understanding. And with the eating it's probably a growing thing, they all go hand in hand with my experience, the hard part is waiting it out with patience. And fever up to 102 are considered nromal under 4-5 days at their age. It's very frustrating, because doctors don't seem to care, but it's because it's something they see everyday. I can't give you more than that, but just watch him if the fever continues, and always trust your mother's instinct and take him to the er or doc if you don't feel somethings right, even if they say wait a few days.

Michelle - posted on 02/24/2010

I don't think the eating/sleeping have to do with the bath. My son is 17 months. He too started eating less at dinner and waking up during the night. I was told it can be for several reasons: if he's learning a new skill like walking or talking then it makes everything else, even meals or sleep, unimportant. Also, growth spurts and teething can affect appetite and sleep. So if your son seems to have a normal energy level and not be sick otherwise, I'd just wait it out.
As for the bath-- try taking one with him. Like literally get in the bath with him. Then wash his hair the old way (not under a faucet). Kids can get scared by things we never think of. If he looked up into the faucet it might have seemed scary: a big metal tube with water spraying onto his head. Or something like that. Anyway, try bathing with him a couple times to get him comfortable again is my suggestion. Good luck with that and boot camp!

Leanna - posted on 02/24/2010

I took him to the doctor today because he was running a fever. He just got his 12 months shots two weeks ago and his doctor said the fever was a normal reaction to it. I explained to her his behavior and she really didn't say anything about it, other than that the shots are probably causing it. She said if his fever continues and he has a bad night thursday, to bring him back in friday.
I'm just really worried about him 'cause I pulled his small baby tub back out for his bath tonight and he still screamed his head off. I don't understand how some shots can change his behavior like that and I don't appreciate his doctor not worrying as much as I am.

Deb - posted on 02/24/2010

Since you are leaving for basic training soon, I would strongly recommend getting in touch with your baby's doctor about it. It may not be anything or it could be something serious. Either way, it is wise to find out BEFORE you go to basic training as you wouldn't want anything to happen while you were gone and leave your mom to have to deal with it by herself. Doesn't sound normal to me and I have raised 3 of my own and have a 9-yr-old grandson. Take my advice and get it checked out.

Elizabeth - posted on 02/23/2010

Its the age thing my son started doing that too! my sons two and he still doesnt sit to eat but he will eat when hes hungry its just a stage they are very busy