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Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
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We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
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Behavioral Concerns
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Questions & Answers - Behavior Concerns
I have a 5 year old daughter who is an amazing kid. But she is very
stubborn and has a temper. Lately she has been saying things like I will
kill myself with a knife or I hate me and nobody loves me. We are always
hugging and kissing her and telling her we love her so I don't know
where this is coming from.
In the 3-5 preschool years, it is not unusual for children to
learn that startling or even shocking people with the things that
they say is an extremely effective way of affecting others or
gaining attention (be it positive or negative). Kids at this age are
the ones who blurt out potty words in the grocery store or remark to
a passerby "Wow, look how fat that guy is!" and parents are of
course mortified. In most cases, this is just a preschool phase
where kids are starting to enjoy playing with words, gaining
attention and exerting their own power. Many children at this age
use words inappropriately without any clear knowledge or
understanding of what they just said. These days they pick up a lot
of TV or from their other preschool friends.
However, if what they said did work for shock value or got a lot
of attention or laughter from adults, then you are apt to hear those
words again. Since your daughter is 5, and I am assuming articulate,
you can also try asking her to tell you why she says the things she
is saying? Maybe she had a fight with a friend at school or someone
at school has bullied her to make her feel that way. You can also
pick out books at the library or bookstore that promote self esteem
in children, check the books on children's self esteem at this
Amazon.com link.
If she continues to speak this way and you see a lot of mood
swings or anger outbursts or signs of depression, I would definitely
consult a child psychologist for an evaluation to rule out any other
issues, but hopefully this is just a passing phase for your
daughter.
Back to: Therapist
Questions & Answers - Behavior Concerns
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