Considering seeking help for 3 yr old grandson

[eicie]

Story from birth til now:  Mother did not take proper care of herself during pregnancy.  Child born by C-section.  Mother did not have much to do with him because of the C-section, said she was in too much pain. The father (my 25 yr old son)took care of the baby the majority of the time.  At 2 or 3 months old child hospitalized for RSV (has asthma now.)  Also had a lot of problems digesting formula.  Always sick with diarreha.  At 1.5 yrs old mother and father separated.  Mother left child with father willingly.  Father filed for custody and won.  Mother did not call or visit much with child during separation of 9 months.  Father diagnosed with schizophrenia and thinks taking mother back will solve the problem. They live together as a family for another 9 months.  Mother decides she can't handle father's illness so she leaves again.  Child currently living with father across the street from our house. Child kicked out of first day care facility at 1.5 yrs because of aggressive behavior (biting.) Kicked out of second day care facility he attended while his mother worked there when she and father were together because of aggressive behavior (taking toys away from other children, hitting, pushing.)  Recently kicked out of third day care because of aggressive behavior (kicking, hitting both children and teachers.) This child has had a rough life since birth.  At first I thought his biting at 1.5 yrs was just a normal stage he might be going through.  Now I'm really beginning to believe his behavior is a result of his environment.  (to be continued)

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, this sort of behavior does result from inadequate parenting during the early years. I'll comment more when you continue.