Hi. It's been about a week of this behavior. Admittedly, she is very imaginative and it may be a play thing-- she has at times "been a cat" for almost an entire day, so her imaginative staying power is very long. But this is getting strange. She will tighten her hands into fists and refuse to unclench them, even when offered things like tiny candies or toys or other seemingly irresistible objects. She did unclench them to let her auntie paint her nails one day. But today her dad took her to the playground, and she wouldn't climb a ladder to a slide that she just loves. She just stood there trying to go up the ladder with her fists clenched, and when she couldn't do it, she said, "Help, daddy," and would not do it herself. She seems to be perfectly normal in every other way-- sleeping well, eating well, cheerful-- definitely not clenching in anger or stress or anything like that. Has anyone experienced this? All I can think is-- is it some kind or neurological problem? Should I rush her to the doctor? Am I overreacting? Underreacting? Help!
Hi everyone! I just love that I found you all. This group is just what I've been looking for. Thanks for your thoughtful replies. My little sweetie's hands completely relax when she is asleep, so I don't think it is a neurological problem or an involuntary muscle contraction, and sometimes she doesn't do it at all-- for example, right now she is spending the morning with her beloved babysitter who comes here and plays with her while I write, and Ava is totally using her hands normally. She ate her whole bowl of cereal normally today too. I am starting to relax about it. I do think it is an imagination game of some sort. Next time we go to the pediatrician I will bring it up, but I don't feel panicky about it anymore. Thank you so much, everyone! This group is like having a bunch of warm sisters and aunties to resassure me. Take good care, Jen and Ava.
Is she still clenching her fists when she is sound asleep? If she is, I would probably call the doctor and ask about it.
if i were you id take her in just to be checked, cant hurt! no not over reacting.
Hi J.
I am a 45 year old Mom of a 6 year old and grandma to a 6 and 4 year old so I've been in this business for a while. Now this is just a guess but is it possible she hurt her hand while doing something or touched a surface or texture she did not like and now is clenching because of it. You know your child better than anyone else and if you're instincts are telling you something is wrong I would have it checked out at least for your piece of mind. I am also a writer with my first children's book Willow's Bend out this year. Good luck with your writing and with that little one.
K.
Hi J.,
I just read your letters. Even though she is not doing it anymore. I think I would call the doctors office and tell them. To see if they want to check her, just to make sure it is not anything. I think it is better be sure that it is nothing, then to assume. That is what they are there for and get paid for. I have twins that are 2 1/2 years old and always check with the doc when in doubt
When my baby was 3 days old I noticed that she was jerking a little and her fits were clenched. Almost 2 years later, I’m glad I was paranoid to take her to the Dr. She had a stroke. I have heard from a lot of mothers who wished the caught it this early. My child is fine no outward signs of the stroke, but others I’ve heard not so lucky. Permanent paralysis or speech problems.
I’m not saying that’s what is or has happened to your child. What I am saying that a little paranoia is good!! Take her to the Doctor. What does it cost a copay, and some missed work.
Hopefully you will not need the name of a good neurologist, but here is ours, Trevor G. Desouza. He is in Morristown.
http://www.pedneuro.com/
I am a mother of a 3 1/2 year old who does a little something similiar He has acted like a dog with panting, licking, scratching, and begging. Also he used to put his snacks on the floor and then eat it with his mouth only or at least try to I would stop it. The act doesn't last too long but when he is doing it I say " Your not a dog, Stop it" And I try to divert his attention to something else. Try not to give it too much attention because they are usually just doing it for attention. It is a phase though my son now only does it once in a blue moon. I mentioned it to his doctor and he said it is just a phase and it's normal. So try not to worry too much about it, and if you feel it's just way too much ask her doctor about it on your next visit.
:) J. from Belleville, NJ
Hi J.! :)
I just wanted to add my .02 - Yes, it's possible that something neurological is happening, but I'm betting it's more because it's fun for her to see how you all will react, based on what you've described. She *is able* to unclench them if she desires to, like when she wanted her nails polished. And since you said she does not have them clenched while she is sleeping, it seems that this is a totally voluntary act and not something she cannot control. *I'm not a doctor of any kind*, but I do have a lot of experience with kids. ;-) Trust your own instincts first - if you feel like the behavior is out of her control, then yes, you should contact your pediatrician. Otherwise, I would just ignore it, because she's more likely feeding into the attention that she's causing you and your hubby by making you worry. And she will get bored with it, especially if you don't play along with it (like telling her that little girls who can't unclench her fists aren't able to go on the slide)
That's just what I'd do, if I felt certain it wasn't a medical issue.
Relax--unless it goes on for longer than a week, it's probably just a "phase."
I would take her to the ped to just have it checked out. Make sure it's her imagination and not her muscles doing something weird. Please keep me posted i'd love to hear what the ped says and how your dd does. hugs
micki
her imagination is off the charts. my son plays dog and ALWAYS wishes he was a dog. and swears that when he grows up he is going to be a dog. same thing as your angel only he is a dog. enjoy the story. she gets it from you. its your turn to listen to a story...lol enjoy every minute of it...she will stop eventually and move on to something else that will make you worry...ha ha ha!!! thank you for sharing. but don't worry.
