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Q

"14 Month Old Waking up at Night"

New York, NJ

So my 14 month old son has been waking up once a night for the last week or so, usually sometime between 4am and 5am. He's waking up because he has soaked through his diaper (and yes, I've tried Huggies Overnights, however they don't seem to work well and aren't very comfortable for him) OR he wakes up because he's hungry--which was an attempt to give him less milk before he goes to bed so that he doesn't wake up soaking wet. My questions are: 1) has this happened to any of you, 2) any advice on how to prevent the diaper leakage, 3) when should I wean him off of drinking milk before he goes to bed? This has always been his night-time routine and I'm not sure when or if I should stop giving him his sippy cup with milk since he practically dives for it when he's getting ready to go to sleep. Thanks for your advice in advance.

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Q

"Falling Asleep with Bottle"

Washington DC, VA

I have a question that makes me feel like a failed at this part as a parent. I have a 22 month old baby girl who will only drink milk out of her bottle! She is able to drink by herself out of a bottle any other liquid, except milk, she will just not drink it, and I am hesitant about mixing the milk with any other stuff like Nesquik because of all the sugar in it. The bigger problem about this is that she will only drink milk to fall asleep and ofcourse it has to be out of the bottle. I have tried to replace water into her bottle when she is falling asleep, but she doesn't fall for it. I have also tried giving her the bottle before she gets sleepy, and in fact she falls asleep after crying for like half hour, and then wakes up at night asking for her milk. I am very concerned because of all "tooth decay" problems I have read about. Otherwise, she is a very active, smart and talkative baby. Any one have any suggestions? or went through the same experience?

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Q

"I Do It!"

Lincoln, NE

I have a toddler - who is full-blown into his "terrible-twos". His newest thing is "I do it!" with everything. He wants to be so independent and wants to do everything himself. I don't have a problem with that (unless I'm in a hurry, but I'm practicing patience with that!) My issue are more the things that he wants to do but can't (for instance he wants to put on his own diaper) - as well as the full out tantrums and fighting I get if I don't let him do it on his own. I just don't know how to get around this. I try to calmly work it out with him and explain it to him, or I'll try to distract him from his tantrum - but nothing seems to be working - it's only if he gets his way. And for something like putting on his diaper - that's just not possible! So any advice to help cure this battle between us would be much appreciate!!!!

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Q

"Mommy and Me" Preschool?

San Diego, CA

My good friend in Orange County found a "Mommy and Me" preschool class for her 2 year old and keeps telling me how amazing it was- her daughter even got to "graduate"... my friend said that it went through the local city schools and was $95 a semester. It was a parent participation class... have any of you heard of something like this in San Diego?? I am dying to find some type of program like this for my daughter and I. Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thanks!

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Q

"Needing Advice on Balancing Children and Chores"

Honolulu, HI

My problem has always been balancing house chores and spending time with the children. I am a neat and compulsive freak when it comes to cleaning and keeping my house in order! I can't seem to figure out why I can't let the small things go! I need to have things a certain way in my home or I need to clean excessively! Which means cleaning all day and not having enough time to spend with the kids or my husband. My husband usually takes the children out or does some fun activities with them when I get into cleaning mode. My husband is in the military, so now that he's away at sea, I can't seem to balance my cleaning act and caring for the children at the same time! Am I losing my mind? I don't know how other moms with multiple children do it! Please help me! My house is a wreck and I hate feeling this way!

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Q

"No" Means "Yes"

Bloomington, IN

my two year old has started saying "no" to everything, and usually she actually means "yes"..... it gets confusing. for example... "do you want a bottle?" "NO" as she reaches for her milk, or "do you love playing with your dolly" "NO"... etc... any ideas to help her switch to "yes"? lately i've started reacting as if she means "no"... even though i can usually figure out her meaning, and just wait until she tries again and says "yes" and i'll also say "yes" to her, which she repeats. (sometimes she adds a "please"... so cute!) anyway, i'm just interested in some ideas from all you moms. thanks!

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Q

"Portable Dvd Player"

Tampa, FL

We are going to fly to Boston in a little bit more than a week. My daughter is very active, so I know it will be a challange to keep her in one spot for more than 5 minutes. Can anyone recommend a good portable dvd player? What do you need to look at when buying one? can those be attached in the car? Sorry, but I know nothing about that.Thanks in advance.

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Q

"Potty Training Toddler Daughter"

Las Vegas, NV

My 2 1/2 yr old knows what potty is, what poop is, what the potty is and that you put them all together but REFUSES! She has a new 4 mo old little brother but is used to him now so I don't think that is the problem. She is smart, willful but obediant, do I wait it out or start really forcing the issue?

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Q

"Potty Training"

Jonesboro, MO

I have a daughter that is 2 years old and will be 3 next friday. I've been trying to potty train her for sometime now. But so far I'm not having alot of luck with it. I've been taking her to the bathroom every 2 hours. Sometimes she'll use and sometimes she won't. When she does use the potty I always tell how good she done and we usally clap our hands. But most of the time when she doesn't use the bathroom a few minutes she'll use the bathroom on herself. The only time I put a diper on her is when she goes to bed at night or whenever we go somewhere. Am I doing something wrong? Is there something else that I can do?

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Q

"Real Name"

Houston, TX

Okay it cute but I'm getting worried that when my little girls go to school they are not going to know their "real names"! Isabel my 3 year old says that her name is "Izzzabel Princess Belle" or sometimes it will be an animal. She has been calling herself this since she began to talk. Do you think I should be worried? I mean Seriously if I call her her real name Isabel Rebahak Sazera she flips out and starts crying. She will tell me that's not her name and her name is Izzzzabel Princess Belle. What if she does this in school or if she gets lost? So that being said her little sister 2 years old will also do the same thing but she doesn't get upset like Isabel. So I don't know but it's been on my mind for awhile. Let me know what ya'll think...

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Q

"Releasing the Binky"

Cleveland, OH

My 15 month old is in love with her pacifier and I have no idea how to get her off that thing. She has Epilepsy and she's delayed in her speech and that pacifier is not helping her to talk any better or sooner. I didnt have this problem with my oldest cause she didnt suck one. Please Help!!

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Q

"Seeking Advice'

Grand Rapids, MI

I have a sweet gentle guy,But he has a child by another women.They have not been togehter in about 4or more years.She seems to think that she can speaks to him however she wants,and walk in our house likes she lives here or like she is stil in a relationship with my guy.She uses their son has a tool to hurt the father,If she does not get want she wants she is just down right mean.I have issues with her and how she is and so I tell my partner about them and how it bothers me he on the defence side or he will walk away.I can tell you that he is a pacemaker.But I feel enough is enough.

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Q

"Yaz" Birth Control

Pittsburgh, PA

Hi all, I have a question to any of you that have used or do use "Yaz" birth control pills. I have been on Yaz for (roughly) 3 months and I am noticing that I am losing a lot of my hair, (most noticeably in the shower.) Have any of you experienced this while being on this particular pill? I am calling the Dr. on Monday to see what they think...

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Q

1 Year Old Not Sleeping Through the Night

Phoenix, AZ

My son just turned one and he is still not sleeping through the night, however ever since we put him on whole milk he is sleeping less. He has no rash, does not seem to be gassy or display any other milk allergy symptoms, he just does not want to sleep. He takes one nap about 2 hours long and then goes to bed at about 7-8pm he will wake up at 11pm and not go back to sleep till 1am and then wake up at 3am and not go back down till 4am and then wake up at 6am for the day. He has never been a gret sleeper but like I said it seems to be worst since putting him on whole milk. I have tried giving him Rice Milk with added coconut milk for the fat and he does seem to sleep better, however his nose seems quite stuffy when on it. I have not tried soy milk since I am very allergic to soy. Has anyone had this problem when adding whole milk to their childs diet? If so what did you do? I don't know how much longer I can go without sleep.

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Q

1 Year Old Waking up at Least 2 Times a Night

Hickory, NC

My baby Stella is waking up at least 2 times a night, I thought that she would be sleeping through the night by now. I am confused, I am reading "healthy sleep habits, happy child" and I am still unsure of the "let cry" technique if she wakes up at night, she goes to sleep wonderfully but . . . we also share a room and the times I've tried the "let cry" I cave b/c the pillow over the head doesn't work for me. ANY ADVICE would help - I would really like to sleep

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Q

1 Yo Napping

Fort Collins, CO

I take care of a 1 yo child who I have trouble getting down for good naps. He does not have a favorite toy or blanket (to my knowledge) and does not take a pacifier. He is usually put down at home with a bottle. I would prefer not to do this because I know it is not good for his teeth, but it has been the only way I can get him to sleep. Once asleep he only stays down for 30-60 min tops - wakes up and can't put himself back to sleep even when visably tired. I am looking for any good ideas you ladies might have as to ways I can help get him to sleep easier and stay asleep longer so he is getting the sleep he needs. Thanks!

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Q

10 Month Old Not Crawling

Jackson, TN

My baby is 10 months old and is not crawling yet. Her pediatrician says she is okay, but she is heavier than most babies her age (95 percentile for weight), but, she is taller than most babies her age, too, so she is not overweight. He says bigger babies arent as physically active as other children their age. Has anyone else heard this one before? She likes to roll all over the floor, and she tries her best to crawl, but cant quite get on her knees. She gets so frustrated! She is starting to pull up some. Also, she cant get in a sitting position when lying down. This and not being able to crawl at her age is worrying me, although my nephews and some of my friends children never crawled at all. Any advice?

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Q

10 Month Old Would Rather Be with Mommy.

Killeen, TX

Help....It seams just when you solve one issue another comes on board. In the last few weeks my son has developed a preferance to me rather than his father. He doesn't want to be fed by him and will cry untill my husband gives up and hands me the spoon. When he wakes up in the night he wont settle down untill he gets me and when he is upset (ie bumps his head) he wants nothing to do with Daddy and will cling to me. I know it's starting to get to my husband he has started to slip in smart commits and storm off. I know that children go through these type of fases but my husband loves him and is really hurt that his baby wants mommy and not him. I don't know how to break this habit I think my son is just used to me being there when he needs something and is just more comfortable with me. Note: my husband has been back from deployment for a little over 2 months now and longs to bond with his son.

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Q

11 Month Old Wont Sleep Through the Night Anymore!

Reading, PA

Hey everyone! My 11 month old daughter has been sleeping through the night since she was 4 weeks old! In the past month or so, she hasnt made it through one night w/o waking up between 3:30-5am. When she does get up, I feed her a bottle and she falls right back to sleep till around 7:30-8am. She usually goes to bed anywhere between 8:30-10. Is this normal? Is she just growing??

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Q

11 Year Old Visitation with Cousins

Phoenix, AZ

My 11 year old stepson keeps asking to go over to his cousin's house to "hang out". His cousins live in our neighborhood. They are two single guys in their early 20's. I think he knows them pretty well and they are on his mom's side of the family. My instinct is that it's not really appropriate for a 11 year old boy to be hanging out with these two guys at their bachelor pad. What do you think?

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Q

12 Month Old Addicted to Paci!!!!

Dallas, TX

My son will be turning one in about a week and he is EXTREMLY addicted to his paci!! He wants his paci not only at naps and bedtime, but every minute of the day!! He sleeps with about 7 or 8 pacis in his crib and when he lays down he likes to have one in his mouth and he is usually holding one in each hand. He LOVES it so much! It is starting to worry me because it seems like it will be VERY hard to break this habit. I feel like I need to be breaking him soon because of him turning one soon. So does anyone have any tips that will help this hard process???

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Q

12 Month Old Getting Stuck in the Crib??

Phoenix, AZ

Hello fellow mothers, My 12 month old daughter is about 16 pounds, petite, with thick thighs and buns. Everytime I get her from her crib, her thighs are stuck in the rails. I have the bumper, but she is to big to have it stop her from putting her legs in between the rails. Her calves are small along with herself , but her thighs are not, so once her thighs get in between the rails she it stuck. Is it already time to move her to a toddler bed?? I hear her in the middle of the night crying because she can't get her legs out of the rails. I have to admit, I've laughed a lot of times seeing her this way, because it's it IS funny :-D, when she gets stuck, but I'm still a mother and don't want her to suffer with her thunder thighs (LOL). Does anyone else have this problem?? Or do I just have to keep waking the middle of the night to get her unstuck?? I hope one of you wonderful ladies have an answer for this. Thanks in advance. N.

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Q

12 Month Old Not Going to Sleep on His Own

New York, NY

I rocked my son to sleep every night until 9 months old. Recently, I changed his bedtime routine. Bath, bottle, books and in crib awake, but sleepy. As soon as I begin to put him in his crib, he starts to cry. As I move towards the crib, his body stiffens. After I give bedtime kisses and leave, he cries hysterically. I slowly started this new routine. If he cries, I go in for less than a minute and leave..will do it a few times if he cries for one hour. Yes, I've done all the things I'm suppose to do for him to go to sleep on his own and it's not working. I've been constistent with my routine for 3 weeks now. Any suggestions?

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Q

12 Month Old Waking up Every Night

Los Angeles, CA

My little one wakes up every night between 2-4am and stays awake for a1-2 hours to make noise, mumble, play in her crib. She goes to bed normally between 7-8pm every night, but it is really tiring (and frustrating) that she wakes us up nightly! Any ideas on how to keep her sleeping through the night? Any help you have is appreciated!!! Thanks!

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Q

12 Year Girl in Need

San Antonio, TX

Hello to all moms, I have a huge favor to ask. I am part of a PTA at the local school and the counseler approched us that there is a little girl 12 yr. that is in need of cholthes, shoes, undergarmets, and femine products. Her mom is a single momther and she just found out she has terimanal cancer. She has no other family to turn to. The mom had no insurance to pay her medical bills. But she is still working 2 jobs and going through treatment. The little girl came crying to the counsler that she is scared to ask her mom her more cholthes, and femine products. The consuler is going to talk to the mother but she is still asking for any dontations of any kind to help the little girl. The little girl is about a size 14 in jeans and pants. And an XL in shirts. If anyone is about to go take old cholthes or throw them away I will take them off your hands. I went and bought her some undergarments, and pads. I bought a few shirts from Walmart. But if anyone has any kind of help please let me know. Thank you and God Bless!

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Q

12 Year Old and Grief

Appleton, WI

I have a 12 year old daughter who has recently been introduced to grief in the form of losing a very special person in her life. A very special Uncle has passed away and she is just devestated. She has been crying for days, and is emotional even when there is nothing going on in her life to make her that way. She is a very sensitive child to start with and this has heightened her awareness of everything around her. Any one ever deal with this? I am grieving my self and have been doing the best I can to keep it together and stay strong for her.

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Q

13 Mo. Starting Definance Behavior -- How to Handle?

Milwaukee, WI

O.k. I just posted a week or so ago about sleep issues with our 13 mo. old -- so my husband and I are not sure if these new behaviors are connected. Our 13 mo. old son, for about 2 weeks now, has been a little crankier that usual. He is starting to fuss/scream when he doesn't get what he wants/can't go where he wants (we put the gate up on the stairs, the cats run away from him, one parent closing the bathroom door to take a shower, ect.). We are currently using redirection and if that doesn't work we try and ignore the behavior -- however, the constant whinning is starting to get on our nerves. Also, our son seems extra needy at times and is only happy if we are carrying him around (which he is too big for). Basically we are hoping to learn if this is normal behavoir development for his age and what stragies we can employ to help him develop better coping skills for his frustration. Thanks!

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Q

13 Month Old Climbing Out of Crib!!!!

St. Louis, MO

Hi Moms, I need some help!! I have 13 month old twins and one of them has starting climbing out of her crib!! She's fallen, no serious injuries, just bumps and bruises so far, but I constantly worry about something more serious happening and I also worry that her sister is going to start doing it too after watching her continuing to do it! I put large pillows all around the outside of her crib so that if she does it again at least she'll land on something soft (we have hardwood floors). I've never experienced this before, my older one never did this.... Is 13 months too early for a toddler bed? Would she stay in it?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!!

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Q

13 Months old...and Still NO Teeth!!!

San Francisco, CA

Hi Moms! Our son is 13-months old and still has no teeth. (SIDENOTE: He's adopted, so we aren't sure as to when his birthparents got their teeth.) He can 'gum' anything and is a great eater. He'll eat meat, chicken, veggies, etc. as long as we cut it into small pieces. His ped. says that he's absolutely fine (as does our dentist) but me, as the mom, well I'm just waiting for those teeth. Where are they!?! I guess I just want/need to hear from other Moms out there who've been through this. We are going camping (for a week) in about 6 weeks. I'm sure THAT'S when those teeth will break through! :)

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Q

14 Month Old Not Sleeping Well

San Diego, CA

Okay, so my little girl doesn't sleep very well to begin with. However, about 1-2 nights a week she wakes up about an hour after I put her down crying and I can't get her to settle down. I will sit with her in the rocking chair and she thrashes around and can't seem to get comfortable. Through her thrashing I notice that she "toots" a lot...like she has gas. I just can't for the life of me figure out what would be giving her gas. She eats a lot of the same foods and drinks a bottle of cows milk before bed every night. I thought maybe it was chicken, but on tuesday we had chicken and she had gas, on wednesday we had chicken and she did not have gas...so I think it is safe to assume that it is not chicken. Plus, she has been doing this since before she was eating table food. Has anyone experienced this. She is getting a new tooth, do they get gassier when they are teething? I would love to hear any advice. Oh, and the only way I can get her to go back to sleep is to nurse her, which I am desperately trying to quit. Besides this she never fusses at all, I can truly say that she is one of the happiest little ones I have ever been around. Thanks so much!

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Q

14-Year-old's Terrible Table Manners!

St. Louis, MO

My 14-year-old son is the greatest kid except for his table manners. I feel like such a nag! He's great about asking if he can be excused from the table, thanking me for dinner and helping clear the table. What I cannot get him to do despite reminding him over and over and over is to chew with his mouth closed. He says he can't because of his braces, but I don't get that?? Also, when he takes a bite of, say, a roll or something, he doesn't take a bite but instead PUSHES into his mouth. He eats so quickly, like he is starving. I know there are so many other things to worry about in life, but will he ever learn? I'm worried because my husband's family (but not my husband for some reason) all have terrible manners. Should I continue to remind my son to chew with his mouth closed and eat slowly or is it a lost cause at this age? HELP! Anyone go through this with their kids?

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Q

15 1/2 Month Old Son Doesnt Want to Walk.....

San Antonio, TX

Hi moms, ok I have a 15 1/2 month old son and a 3 1/2 ear old. my baby doesnt want to walk, talk, really anything. He was very late (then my older boy) at doing things. He only started crawling a few months ago. He only says momma and da, and Im worried that he might have speech problems like his big bother. We have tried to make him walk everywhere we go by holding his hands, or tring to make him walk back and forth between us or backing up and making him follow us, but he doesnt want to do any of that, he will just sit down. I guess what Im getting at is if anyone has any tricks to try. His pedi. told me it isnt much to worry about all kids do things in their own time, but I dont know sometimes it just worrys me. Anything to help!! Thanks to all in advance!!

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Q

15 Month Old Not Walking

New Orleans, LA

I have a 15 month old son who still will not walk without support. Dr says it's fine as long as he's walking but he will not let go. He holds onto the tip of my oinky fingernail & walks but as soon as I let go he falls to the ground. I feel like he has some sort of security issue as to why he will not let go of my finger. Has anyone else had this issue & is there any advice to get him to go out on his own. I am happy that he's cautious but I'm afraid he's to cautious & it's holding him back.

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Q

15 Month Old Who Keeps Falling

Chicago, IN

I have a 15 month old granddaughter and lately she has been falling like crazy. Since my "baby" is 22 years old I don't remember if this is normal or not. It does not matter if she has shoes on or just socks...she just keeps falling. She is a very busy little girl and on the go all the time. I'd certainly appreciate your input. Thanks!

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Q

15 Month Waking Every Night at the Same Time

Shreveport, LA

My 15 month old son has always been a pretty good sleeper. However, the last 7 days he has been waking at the same time every night, screaming. He goes to bed around 8:30 pm and wakes up screaming around 11 pm. My husband or I will go into his room and reassure him everything is ok. Sometimes he will go back to sleep after we comfort him for 10 minutes. Other times he needs extra reassurance and will stay up for 1/2 hour or so. The rest of the night he sleeps soundly. Does anyone have any advice on how to best handle this? Do you think he is just having bad dreams? If so, how can it happen exactly at the same time every night? Or is this a common phase? Thanks.

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Q

15-Month Old Not Walking Independently - Ideas to Help?

Appleton, WI

My 15 month old son "cruises" along furniture & walls, pushes walkers around, tries to climb on things, but does not walk independently at all. I think he'd like to, but he doesn't have the balance down yet or the coordination that needs to go with it (lately he will try to "walk" to me, but it is more of a fall towards me). He usually resists being walked along with someone holding his hands for more than a couple of steps. Does anyone have any ideas on how to help him take it to the next level? He was on the late side with crawling too...and now apparently he likes it so much he sees no reason to change. As a side note, he does talk quite a bit, using about 40+ words that I've counted...my husband and I joke that he's too busy talking to worry about walking :-)

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Q

16 Month Old and Milk

Topeka, KS

Hello- My 16 month old used to drink milk great. Lately she doesn't seem to want to drink it as much. I think part of it is that she doesn't like it really cold right out of the fridge. But even then, she prefers water. Should I be giving her Pediasure or some other type of supplment to make sure she's getting enough calcium? Suggestions?

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Q

16 Month Old Hits Herself in the Head

Milwaukee, WI

My 16 month old daughter always hits herself in the head when she's either excited or angry. She has done this now for about a month or so. We repeatedly tell her not to do that but that doesn't help. She has no mental disabilities that I am aware of. This just doesn't seem normal. Has anybody else's kids done this? Does anyone have any advice?

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Q

16 Month Old Neat Freak

Milwaukee, WI

Please tell me: is this normal? My 16 month old son loves things orderly. He's constantly on the cruise looking for things that may be "out of order" to him, like shoes not put away in the closet, the remote control left on the couch and not in its little bucket on top of the TV, cupboard doors left open, etc.. He doesn't freak out or throw a tantrum or anything, he just tries to put it away and points and gestures and makes insistent noises until we help him take care of it. On one hand, it's hilarious to see him tidying up, and I have to think it shows his smarts to know where things should be; on the other hand, could this be the beginning of OCD?! (OCD does not run in the family, as far as we know.) My mom (my other source for all baby know-how) says that none of us kids had this unique obsession with order. She just thinks it's funny. Anyway, are there any other children out there with our son's neatness tendencies?

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Q

16 Month Old Waking at 4:30M Every Morning

San Francisco, CA

Our 16 mth old has been waking at 4:30am for the past couple of weeks. He is teething. We try to get him to sleep by rocking, if that does not work, I breast feed him but sometimes he is up for 1-2 hours. We keep it dark and quiet. Any suggestions? He goes to bed at 8pm and takes a 2 hour nap from 1:30-3:30pm.

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Q

17 Month Old Constantly Wines and Cries.

Denver, CO

I am to the point of exhaustion!!! PLEASE HELP. My seventeen month old daughter constantly cries and I just dont know what to do any more. she cries from the time she gets up to the time she goes down. With a few exceptions inbetween each day. its also a constant battle to get her to nap and go to bed.

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Q

17 Month Old Not Talking

Lincoln, NE

My little girl seems to be very lacking in the amount of words she says. She babbles a lot and sometimes says mama or dada but i can't tell if she actually knows what she is saying or if she is just babbling. She also says dog (i know she knows what that means cuz she says it everytime she sees one). I know all babies develop at their own rate, but 17 months seems to be pretty late, especially for only being able to say a couple words. Should I be worried?

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Q

18 Month Old Having Sleeping Problems

Boston, MA

My son is 18 months and has not had any issues with sleeping by hiself before. He no longer will take a nap or sleep at night in his crib. I have tried letting him cry for 10 minutes and going in and telling him that he is going to be ok, and returning 8 mintues later and so on. It is not working. I can take him out lay him in my arms and he will fall asleep. I think he is to young to sleep in a toddler bed but, I did not know if I gave he something new to sleep in it might help. Please help I am very confused and frustrated.

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Q

18 Month Old Hitting and a Brand New Baby!

Denver, CO

Well, I have a few questions here. I have an 18 month old daughter who hits me when she gets mad at me. She also hits things that hurt her or trip her up, such as if she falls she hits the floor or if she bumps into something, she hits what she bumps into. I have tried to tell her that hitting hurts when she hits sometone. I have tried raising my voice, or grabbing her hand and making eye contact and sternly telling her no. She continues to do it. What do I do!?!? We just had a baby boy on Aug 20, who is in NICU right now (he is doing fine, he was just about 6 weeks early, but he is doing really good!!). I don't want her to hit him when he does get to come home. Also, any words of wisdom from moms who have had 2 under 2 would be much appreciated!! Thank you all!

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Q

18 Month Old Still on Bottle at Bedtime - How Do We Get Rid of It????

Minneapolis, MN

I have an 18 month old that takes a bottle at bedtime. She falls asleep with it and "needs" it to go to sleep. She also needs it if she wakes up in the middle of the night to fall asleep again. I need help getting her off the bottle. Our son will be born in 3 months and we realize the need to get her off the bottle for 1: becuase she is already so dependent on it it's a bad habit and 2: it is too much to have to try and deal with with a newborn in the house. Any advice you can give me would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

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Q

18 Month Old Wont Sleep at Night

Los Angeles, CA

My 18 month old daughter has been waking up the last 5 nights at 2 or 3 am. At first I thought it was a fluke and she had a bad night, but now its happening every night. When she wakes up she doesnt want to go back to bed and we've been letting her "cry it out" thinking she will get exhausted and go back to sleep...but, she screamed for two hours the other night. We go in the room and check on her , tell her to go to sleep , etc.. She doesnt seem to be in pain or cold or anything, just wont sleep! She has been sleeping through the night wonderfully from about 730 pm - 5 am since she was about 10 months or so. She goes to bed awake with no problem so she does know how to put herself to sleep. Anyhow, i really dont know whats going on but i am EXHAUSTED and ready for her to go back to her normal routine. I dont think she is teething either because during the day she is absolutely fine and normal (and has never had a problem with teething in the past). Nothing has changed....If we bring her in the bed, she will go back to sleep fine...but I really dont want to start that habit. Any ideas or advice?? Thanks! M.

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18 Month-old Won't Sleep Through the Night!!

Sioux City, NE

My 18 month old son will not sleep through the night... To the point that he's up every 2 to 3 hours! It's horrible... Like living with a newborn. I know there are babies who don't sleep through the night until they are older but, I never imagined I'd have to be up ever two hours with a child this age. My oldest son started sleeping through the night when he was 6 months old and I miss that! With my youngest, I go back and forth to his room through half of the night and then, being completely sleep-deprived, always think I'll sleep better if he's with me... Never works! Plus, he wakes up my husband who has to get up very early in the morning to work. Anyway, I'm just needing any good advise on how to help the baby sleep at night... I am so tired right now... And, crazy as it may seem, I want another baby but, I can't spend my nights up with 2 children! Any help would be appreciated! :)

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19 Month Old Refuses to Sleep

Cleveland, OH

I have a 19 month old daughter who used to go to be with no problems. We would put her in the crib and she would put herself to sleep. In the past week, when we put her in the crib she screams and crys and gets hysterical. We go in and try to calm her but as soon as we leave she cries again. It was so bad that the only way that we could get her to sleep was if I stayed in her room and rubbed her stomach until she fell asleep. My question is is this normal? any ideas what is causing this behavior? How do we stop it? We haven't changed anything in her room and there have not been any major changes in her life.

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19 Month Old Still Having TONS of Sleep Issues

New York, CT

My 19 month old son is surely the worst sleeper. We've tried everything--to no avail. He falls asleep on his own around 7-7:30...sleeps fairly ok 'till about 1:30-2. However, from 2 'till 6:00(wake up) he tosses, turns, cries, screams, moans...Sometimes he's still asleep; other times he's awake. He does this wether we go to him or he's in our bed. It's awful. I don't sleep. He doesn't sleep. UGH. However, he doesn't seem tired during the day & takes a 2hr. (sometimes3) nap. What do we do? We have another baby on the way and I'm very concerned about how it'll be. I've talked with the doctor and he says, "It's just him." I wish things were smoother. I can't even get up early to do things (exercise, clean, bills, etc.) 'cause he cries too much; it's overwhelming.

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2 1/2 Year Old Not Sleeping

Los Angeles, CA

For the past couple of weeks my 2 1/2 year old daughter isnt wanting to take her naps. I put both her and her little sister down and she just wont stay in her room. Also at night their bedtime is 830 or 9 and she wont go to sleep until 11 or 12. And then she wakes up around 3am and i just put her back down. For the past year she has been in the hospital because she was diagnosed with cancer. she seems so tired throughout the day and she isnt taking any meds or chemo right now. and i am just wondering if this could be a reason or what?

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2 1/2 Year Old Son Had Begun to Prefer Me over Husband

Columbus, OH

My son has started to refuse my husband to put him to bed & sometimes even play with him. My husband is having a real hard time not taking this personal, but it's hard. Some things that we try are: me leaving the room for the bed routine, Dad giving the bath, & Dad taking son on outings that are just the two of them. I've tried telling him that it's a temporary thing. It also doesn't help that I am a stay-at-home mom. If anyone has any additional ideas, we would appreciate it.

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2 1/2 Year Old Waking Up

Chicago, IL

After the first time we let him cry it out at 5 months, my son has always been a great sleeper. He has been in a regular bed since he was 15 months old. He used to go to bed at 7-7:30 every night and didn't get up until we woke him for day care. Now he gets out of bed several times a night or cries if we do not sleep with him. How do we stop this? Do we let him cry it out again? We all need sleep and want to stop this before it becomes a bad habbit. Please help

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2 1/2 Year Old Won't Poop in the Potty

Denver, CO

Hi all My 2 1/2 year old daughter is only partially potty trained. She basically pees in the potty all day long and rarely has an accident. She wants to wear big girl underwear (which is how she bacame partially potty trained). She saw a friend wearing them and she wanted to wear them too. After a few wet accidents she got the hang of it and goes in the potty at home, at school and when we are out. The problem is pooping in the potty ... she has done it but it has become more rare now that she is peeing in the potty regularly. We have tired everything (m&m's, a chart with stickers, having her not wear big girl underwear until she poops in the potty ... although this just seems to make her mad since she really wants to wear her underwear). Not much is working. She will tell us that she has to go and then sit on the potty and do nothing and then go in her underwear 10 minutes later. Should we just go back to pull ups unitl she can control her bm's better (she is good about keeping her pull ups dry and still going pee in the potty but I am afraid she will get lazy and go back to peeing in her pull up)? Or will that just confuse her and continue to upset her? I have heard of others having this issue before (where kids will not go or only go in a pull up). Any other thoughts or suggestions? thanks! K.

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2 1/2 Year Old Won't Stop Hitting and Throwing Things

Providence, RI

Our son is really a sweet little boy who is friendly and outgoing. He loves to play with other kids and hugs them and all. Just a really sweet kid. Within the last few months though, he has developed this habit of hitting. We don't know where it came from. Just one day woke up and decided to start hitting. He slaps daddy and myself and thinks it's funny! We tell him "No" and put him promptly into a time out. He gets that for 2, 4 and 7 minute intervals depending on how many times he's done it. He throws things at us and grandparents and thinks it's funny and playing. He throws and then says "Silly!" We tell him not to throw at people unless we're outside and it's a ball. He'll be fine for a while and then POW!!! you get nailed in the head with a matchbox car! The worst though is that he just hit his teacher at "school" (day-care) the other day. He was brought away from the other kids and explained to why we don't "hit our friends." He's always remorseful if it looks like it really hurt, but it needs to stop. What can we do? Any hints? Time out just doesn't seem to be working anymore. Sorry this was so long, but what the heck?! I'm tired of getting slapped by my son!

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2 1/2 Yr Old Won't Go to Sleep at Night

Cleveland, OH

I have spent the last 3 nights trying to get my 2 1/2yr old son to go to sleep in his room. Last night he fell asleep in front of his door and I had to put him in his bed. He is constantly knocking on his door and wants to come out and have playtime when he knows it is bed time. His routine has not changed. He watches a cartoon, gets his teeth brushed, we read a book, we sing bedtime songs, and I leave the room and close the door. I don't know what has changed with him the last few days. I don't know if his naps in the afternoon are affecting his nighttime sleep, but it is getting aggravating when he knocks on his door and calls out for me or his daddy. His naps are usually only an hour long, maybe at most an hour and a half. Bedtime has always been between 9 & 9:30pm. I would like to get things back to the way they were before.

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2 1/2 Yr Old Won't Sleep Through the Night Anymore - Help!

Milwaukee, WI

Hello everyone! I've gotten wonderful responses before so I thought I'd try again. I have a very smart 2 1/2 year old daughter who was always a great sleeper - until about a month ago. Since then she's gotten up no less than 4 times a night and runs into our room screaming. At this point the first two times she just wants to be put back to bed and goes right back to sleep, but then after that she insists one of us stay in her room. And on top of that she is up and ready to go no later than 5:30am every morning, regardless of bedtime. We have tried rewards, punishments, asking her why she's getting up, asking her to stay in bed at night, different night lights, music at night, those things that project light on the ceiling and walls, we put a humidifier in her room to act as background noise, and she no longer watches ANY TV. We are at a total loss. I'm ready to put the crib back up just to keep her contained and let her cry for a night or two! (She's on the small side so climbing out wouldn't be a problem - yet). I just requested a copy of Dr. Sears' Nighttime Parenting so I'll read that as soon as I get it.

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2 1/2 Yro Witholding Poop

Boston, MA

I am new to this group but am desperate for any help out there. My son has been potty trained since last October but had his first poop accident (only a little one and not reprimanded for it) a week ago Thurs. Since then he refuses to let any more out. He will run around screaming and no matter how uncomfortable or how badly he has to go he will not let it out. We used a suppository the sun night after and he got some out and on this Thurs we used a 1/2 tsp of epson salt in apple juice and pumped his legs and massaged his stomach and he started to go (after an hour of screaming and running around and refusing) but as soon as he was put on the toilet he stopped again and we had to put a finger near his rectum and have him push against it. He screamed and cried but eventually did and he pooped for 20 mins straight. However, we are back to the same thing. It has now been 2 days without poop. He got up from bed 5 times tonight because he had to poop but as soon as he feels it coming he wines, stops and gets off the toilet. We tried a pullup but he just won't let it out. I have tried explaining that he will get a tummy ache if he holds it in, I have tried giving him a magic shell to take away the pain and fear, I have told him stories about how the poop doesn't want to be in his tummy and is trying to get out and swim in the toilet but that he keeps closing the "bottom" door so the poop is sad(and variations on this theme). Nothing has worked. Our doctor suggested Miralax which we will start tomorrow but I am concerned that his refusal to go will not be easily treated by a physical remedy. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can help him with the fear?

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2 Almost 3 Year Old Not Slepping Through the Night

Albuquerque, NM

HI all! I have a 2 almost 3 year old little boy and for some reason he will not sleep through the night. He has his own room and a toddler bed. He will go to sleep in his own room but between 2 and 4 in the morning he will wake up and come in my room wanting to sleep in my bed. I have a 7 week old that I am breast feeding so I am very tired at night and just do not have the engery to put my 2 yo back in his own room. Should I be doing this? We have tried putting a radio in his room, a tv in his room so there is always noise but he still wakes up wanting to sleep in my room. Help I am so tired and want to be able to sleep in my own bed with my hubby and not end up on the floor. Any suggestions?? Mel

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2 Almost 3 Year Old with Anger Issues

Seattle, WA

My wounderful son likes to throw his toys when they son't do what ever he is trying to get them to do, along with that toy goes everything else he can reach.He also likes to this if we tell him no. We have tried to take the toy(s) away that he throws and we have tried sitting down with him and explaining that it not ok to throw his toys. He doesn't seem to this when he is playing with other children. Is there anyone out there that can help us we want to correct this before it gets much worse?!? I would like to TYIA.

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2 In One

Dallas, TX

I thought I'd put both my new dilema's in one post I hope thats ok. My 2 year old keeps taking his diaper off whether its wet or not. Does this mean he's ready to be potty trained? Every where I have read says to not push him. Let him do it on his own time. When will I know its HIS time? 2ndly my 10 month old daughter has one front tooth and her 2 bottom front teeth. She has learned to grind them together. Has anyone else come across their child doing this and if so how did you stop it. Thanks in advance for all your help and advice. ~T.

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2 Questions for All....

Philadelphia, NJ

My 21 month old daughter will drink milk from her sippy cup while at her babysitters, however, the minute she wakes up in the morning and the minute we walk in the door at the end of the day, she asks for her baba. She will not drink out of her sippy cup when she is with my husband, my parents, his parents or myself. Please help with any ideas on how I can end this. She is too old to have a bottle. Second question... Am I just being a typical Mother in thinking that my toddler is advanced? She can count up to 10, knows the difference between all the colors, names everything that we pass in the car or whatever she sees, she is speaking in 5 word sentences and she can sing almost all the words in her favforite songs, (ie. Happy Birthday, Muffin Man and Ring Around the Rosie). Thanks for all the help and advice!

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2 Y/o Son Throws Fits About Potty Time

Portland, OR

My son is 2 1/2 and every time he is asked or told to go potty he throws a big fit and says I don't want to. He is basically potty trained, he wears big boys and doesn't have accidents, but he holds it until the last minute and starts to do a potty dance, run around the house and jump up and down until my husband or I tell him to go potty. If Daddy says go potty, he does it like it's nothing.. But if Mommy or the babysitter tells him to he throws a big fit. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to help my Jaydon?

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2 Year Old Biting

Dallas, TX

Hello my son will be 2 years old in a few weeks and just recently his has started biting and I don’t know why or how to get him to stop. We tell him no but he counties to do it. Any help would be great. Thanks

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2 Year Old Chewing on Hands

Colorado Springs, CO

My 2 year old daughter is constantly chewing on her hands. She used to be a thumb-sucker but stopped that on her own. Has anyone ever had this problem? Is there anything I can do or do I just have to wait it out and hope it'll stop on its own?

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2 Year Old Daughter Still Needs Cup at Night!!!!

Dallas, TX

I have a daughter that is turning two next week and she still has to have her cup at night to go to sleep and even wakes up in the middle of the night wanting it. If she does not get it then she will cry and cry unitl i give it to her. I cant stay up all night long with her while she crys then get up and go to work the next morning. Someone please give me some advice on what to do.

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2 Year Old Dosn't Want to Go to Sleep

Indianapolis, IN

My daughter just turned two in March. Since then she has given up her beloved passy, however, now going to sleep is always a major production, where it used to be really simple. It has been over a month since she threw away the last pacifier, but she is still having lots of problems going to sleep without it. I am reaching the end of my rope and don't know what else I can do to help her. Any suggestions?

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2 Year Old Dropping Naps?? Clarification

Miami, FL

Hello everyone, Apparently I was unclear with my last question.My son plays in his crib for about an hour or so and than begins crying on and off and builds up to a steady cry,at which point I go get him!!!!!!!!I did not mean it to sound as if he is screaming for 2 hours!!I also did not mean to imply that I don't want him to drop his nap!!I was looking for advice on whether this is normal to drop his nap so early!!I'am sorry for the miscommunication. L.

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2 Year Old Dropping Naps???

Miami, FL

Hi everyone, My 2 year old son has been fighting his naps for the past week and a half.(and winning)This is totally out of character.When I check him he is usually standing up in his crib,not even acting tired.Believe me ladies,I have let him cry it out!(2 hours is my limit without signs of slowing down and I go get him)He usually plays with his toys/animals the first hour than he will get worked up. Anyway my question is Could he possibly be dropping his nap at this young age? He dropped his first nap very young,around 7-8 months and did fine.How young has other children done this?I would appreciate any advice!!!!Thank you so much!!

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2 Year Old Keeps Waking

Hartford, CT

My two year old daughter has for the past several weeks been waking up in the middle of the night several times crying so that either my husband or I will cover her up with her blanket. We recently let her keep a blanket in her crib and now when ever she stands up for any reason or becomes uncovered during the night she cries for us to cover her back up. We have both been going in and covering her, but its getting really hard when we are not getting our sleep because of her waking us up. Any suggestions??

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2 Year Old Not Sleeping

St. Louis, IL

My 2 year old has really not slept very well ever he is still waking up at night and my husband and I put him in bed with us and he is still waking several times after that crying and tossing and turning like he is uncomfortable. He went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and she thought he was not going to bed early enough but I think he is in pain. Has anyone gone through this or have any suggestions. We are up for anything1

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2 Year Old Son Makes Himself Vomit When I Feed Him

Augusta, GA

my two year old says he is hungry but vomits when i try to feed him, he makes himself gag and then vomits,he does it when he wants to do something else, play basketball,watch tv,play with playdo etc...i try to take away distractions but still nothng works..i have also tried letting him watch tv while he eats...he needs to eat... some foods example: eggs he will gag just by seeing them..what do i do? Thanks in advance. please dont tell me that its just a phase because i have no problem getting him to eat sometimes he just makes himself vomit.

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2 Year Old Starting Potty Trainning

Minneapolis, MN

Hello My little man I belive is about ready to start to potty train (even if he not I still need some help LOL) He just turned 2 on the 17th well a few weeks prior he started to take his shorts and his diaper off in his bed and then he would have an accadent, now he has started to do it during the day as well, I'm getting tired of washing sheets and any time I say lets use the potty he says his cute little no and I've read not to force them, how can I get him to go on the potty???Just now as I was typing this I thought we had hit a break thru, he took off his diaper so I rushed him to his potty and said that he needed to go pee in the potty and he did I got so excited and happy we even woke up daddy to tell him, so after we flushed the pee and put on a new diaper he not 5 minutes later took it off, so I repeated it but then he started to whine about being on the potty?? what am I to do??

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2 Year Old Still Has Bottle at Bedtime

Fresno, CA

my daughter just turned two at the end of last month. she still takes a bottle of milk at bedtime. my question is, am i doing her harm by allowing this still? she is always so excited for her bottle at bedtime. she sees me get it and just lights up. right now i just dont feel like robbing her of this security. she doesnt have any teeth problems, we brush often (its one of her fav things to do) i know a lot of parents ween their children from the bottle, but i really dont see the harm in it right now. am i wrong? please help?

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2 Year Old That Won't Stop Hitting

Lancaster, PA

My son will be two in August and he has been in this hitting stage for months now. He really only hits me, usually in the face, when I am holding him or close to his face. I've tried timeouts, talking to him and I have yelled a few times. I don't know how to stop him. I don't think he does it to be mean to me, he just knows that it gets a reaction out of me and he is at that "testing mommy" age! Any suggestions?

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2 Year Old Waking up a Lot at Night

Jacksonville, FL

So, my daughter used to be the best sleeper. She'd go to bed at 8:30 and wouldn't wake up until 7:30 or 8:00. Lately here, she's been getting up 3 or 4 times per night, walk into my bedroom, and I walk her back to her room. She's not crying or anything like that, so I'm not sure what the deal is! After that, she's waking up at 6:45 or earlier and geared up for the day! What's going on? She is in a big girl bed, so she has the freedom of getting up when she wants, but she had already adjusted to that, and learned to stay in bed for a few weeks after we made the change. Now it's starting back up again. I've tried to sit down and explain to her every single night, that she needs to stay in bed, and sleep like a big girl, but it doesn't seem to work. Have any suggestions?

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2 Year Old Will Not Do Number 2 in Toilet!!!

Fayetteville, NC

Does anyone have anysuggestions on how to get a toddler to poop in toilet and not in pull up. I feel like I should still keep buying regular diapers. He will tell me he has to go pee and I quiclky take him and he does it. But he will not tell me he has to go poop, and he knows what it is cause he will say he stinky. I have caught him a few times when he is starting to and I get him to the bathroom and he finishes in the toilet but that is the only time he will go. I sit him on the toilet after he eats for a while and when he first wakes up in th e morning because everytime he comes off the toilet or if he may have peed in the pull up he will do the number 2 right after no matter how long I wait he seems to do it everytime.I do praise him for every accomplishment literally and he continues to accomplish things but he won't accomplish this one even though I praise him for it cause he loves being called a big boy. i do know that some things take time for some kids cause it took me 2 weeks to potty train my older son whom they are night and day(lol). Right now I am buy 2 sets of diapers cause I have a infant now. please help with any kind of advice!!!!

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2 Year Old with Night Terrors

Jacksonville, FL

My 2 1/2 year old daughter has starting having night terrors. They are causing her to wake up in the middle of the night or VERY early in the morning. She is then unable to return to sleep. I am expecting our second child in September and need more sleep than I am getting now. My husband is a huge help, but he is sleep deprived now also. Any suggestions on what we can do to help stop the night terrors or get her back to sleep?

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2 Year Olds Developement

Dallas, TX

I am concerned about my 2 year olds development. He just turned two in Sept. He can talk but he does not respond to certain things. Whenever we try to ask him his name or how old he is he just stares at us and laughs and starts playing. He does have a wide vocabulary, he asks for his cup, he says mommy and daddy, he does know his brothers and sisters names and he asks for his food, thank you, please, movies, he says spongebob,nemo,shrek. He repeats everything that we say and can say a lot of words, he also speaks clearly.He also says hi and bye to everyone when we are out. I'm concerned with the fact that he does seem to understand us when we ask him questions. He does understand when he is being disciplined and he does listen when we say no,sit down, etc. I know that all kids develope differently, should I be concerned or give him more time.

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2 Yo No Longer Sleeping in His Bed

Kansas City, KS

This spring, my son went to my folks' house for a week while I worked on my coursework. When he came home, he slept with us one night, and then he was fine--we figured he just needed the reassurance. However, he just came home from a week with my folks again (where he usually sleeps fine, but had problems this trip), and he's still not sleeping in his bed, except for naps. He turned 2 in early July, and up until yesterday, he didn't want to take naps, except in the car. That problem actually started at my folks, and then continued here. However, even though he took a good long nap yesterday in his bed, he wouldn't go to sleep last night until we finally gave up and took him to bed with us. I need more sleep than this! Any suggestions? We've tried letting him cry it out--he screams hysterically as long as we leave him in the room. I also tried sitting with him last night--he was fine so long as I was in the room, but screamed again when I left.

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2 Yr Old Not Talking

Harrisburg, PA

My daughter is concerning me. She turned 2 in May and is not talking other than baby babble and saying mama, dada and yeah. I know all kids are different in their development but my boys were all talking before they were 2. I had problems with her when she was still very young (8 mo) getting frustrated because she could not communicate, so I taught her some baby sign language. She caught on to that rather quickly and then just stopped using it altogether. Now she gets frustrated all over again just like when she was a baby. Any advice on how I can help her learn to talk or even communicate with us better? Her older brothers are even trying to help teach her.

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2 Yr Old on Nap Strike

Dallas, TX

My little girl has been the best sleeper, and I felt truly blessed as she would sleep from 8p to 7a and take a 3 hr nap from 1-4p. Well, I took away the pacifier 2 weeks ago for bedtime and napime....the pacifier for daytime use was taken away at 12-14 months. The first night of no pacifier was just fine..she didn't ask for it, and went and stayed asleep the whole night and has done that for bedtime sleep since. However, the naps are hit or miss. It is all or nothing on the naps. I put her down everyday at 1p; however, she will go days without a nap and then nap for 3 hours. Folks have told me that it will take 2 weeks for a change like that to set in, and the little one to get accustomed. It has been 2 weeks, and with an already strong willed and easily agitated child, the nap strike is sending her over the edge over the littlest things. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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2 Yr Old Wakes at Night

Minneapolis, MN

My 2 yr old wakes around 3am every night and wants to eat. She eats before bed and wakes every night needing to eat more and up at 6 for the day. She goes to bed at 8pm and falls asleep very good on her own I just can't get her to sleep through the night. Please let me know your ideas on how I can acomplish this.

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2 Yr. Old Suddenly Sucking Thumb

Greensboro, NC

My son is 2 yrs old and has never used a pacifier or sucked his thumb. He does have a lovey he calls Bebe. Recently he has been falling asleep without Bebe (he gives it to me, I don't know why) and when dropped off at daycare wants me to put Bebe in his cubby. He came home from daycare today sucking his thumb. He has done this before but it has never lasted more than a minute or two. Today he has been doing for a few hours, and I'm starting to wonder why he is suddenly sucking his thumb. I worries me a little. I've decided to ignore it for a while, but if it keeps up I want it to stop. Please give any advice or thoughts.

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2.5 Year Old Scared of Potty -

Merced, CA

My 2.5 year old son was doing pretty good on his little potty we bought, but daycare's no longer allow them, so i went and bought the football potty seat that sits on the big potty and he is now terrified. I don't know what to do. I need i deas of how to get him to sit on this potty so he can see its not a scary thing... i tried letting him blow bubbles on the potty, stickers, books.. you name it.. its not working.. please help!

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2.5 Year Old Stuttering or Something ?

Dallas, TX

My 2.5 year old has started stuttering....well, not exactly stuttering ,more like hesitating before starting to talk. Her lips move like she is saying puh..puh...puh...then she speaks...it is the strangest thing! I have never seen it before with other children. Little background....My MIL and FIL take care of my kids while I am at work. They do not speak English. So my daughter is bilingual...English and Punjabi. She's my little translator ;) so amazing really. She is not in preschool. So...for all of you experts out there....do you think I need just give her a bit more time...or should I jump on this now. If so where to start? Should I enroll her in some kind of pre-school?

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20 Month Old Cries in His Sleep

Phoenix, AZ

My 20 month old son will occassionally cry in his sleep. Sometimes it's just a whimper, but other times he will be crying hard. He's not awake and if I go to his room and rub his back, or put his pacifier in his mouth, he stops. We are going to be breaking the "binky" habit in the next month or so, so I want to find other ways to help him through the night crying. It doesn't happen every night. Sometimes, after a really busy/eventful day, he'll wake up crying at night. I've attributed that to being over-stimulated. But the crying when he's not awake...Has anyone else had experience with this? Is he having nightmares? He quiets down quickly, and I definitely wouldn't call it night terrors - I just want to make sure it's not anything serious.

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20 Month Old Reluctant to Walk

Rochester, NY

Ok, now that we have that flea problem under control...onto my next topic. I have 20 month old twins. My son has been walking for the longest time. My daughter, is very reluctant to walk. She did spend a month in the hospital after birth because she contracted a staph infection while in the NICU. So, a little delay due to not as much interaction is to be expected. She has been seeing a PT for a few months. She'll take a few steps here & there. She'll walk a bit while holding her hand. However, she prefers to "knee walk" or just sit down where she is. It's very frustrating. She does have ride on toys & walk behind toys. Again, she prefers knee walking. Have any of you all had experienced this & is it normal?

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Q

20Mos Old Drinks WAY Too Much Milk

Washington DC, MD

My doc told me my son should only have about three 9oz cups of milk a day. He drinks way more than that. He goes nuts for milk. He will drink a little water or juice during the day, but still throws tantrums for more milk... especially at night. Our bedtime routine consists of my sitting with him in the rocker with a sippy while I talk to my 4 yr old son (they share a room). He usually sucks down 9oz then has a fit if I won't get more milk for him. I've tried substituting some of his milk requests with water, but he just throws the cup and freaks out. Do you think I can cut some of his milk with water? He drinks about 1 1/2 gallons of milk a week!!!! I'm not exaggerating! He's the only one who drinks whole milk and he goes through it faster than the four of us go through 1 gal!!!! ************************************* I'm getting lots of good responses, but wanted to explain a little more. The doctor told me Rocco still needs whole milk for the fat. She said I need to cut back on the amount because too much milk (regardless of %) can cause constipation and irritate the stomach lining. Of course, anything in excess is bad for you! I don't allow Rocco to have more than 8 ounces a day of juice (usually two 4oz cups cut with water a day). My problem is that he is always asking for milk. He's quite stubborn and has a fierce temper. He's only in the 25% for weight (and height), so I'm not worried about the amount of fat he is getting. He eats well most days. I was considering cutting the milk with a little water solely to reduce the amount of milk he is drinking... just because I'm desparate. I've tried the bait and switch, but he still freaks out until he gets milk. *sigh*

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Q

22 Mo. Old Wakes Frequently at Night

Dayton, OH

Here I am after a wakeful night of my 22 mo. old throwing a fit at 3 a.m.. I have 4 children (ages 6, 4, 22 mo. and 5 mo. - the 22 mo. old being my only girl). I am at wits end with her. My 5 mo. old sleeps very well. I don't know if it is her just being a girl or the age or what.....any positive advice would be nice. I do still nurse her (yes, I am tandem nursing both little ones) and just wondering if maybe she is trying to make up for not getting my attention during the day. I don't have any intentions of weaning her as I fully support child led weaning. I just want her to develop good sleep habits and soon!

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