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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Over-reacting to minor scrapes and bruises
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Over-reacting to minor scrapes and bruises
by Jan F., May 02, 2001 12:00AM
Please help!!!!!
My 3 1/2 year old son has always had strong reactions to even minor bumps and bruises that just happen during normal play. Seeing blood seems to heighten his reactions. For example, a small scrape on his knee earlier today resulted in at least 1 1/2 hours of hard crying mixed with being very upset. Sometimes I have a hard time showing any sympathy because I get so frustrated with him. My 2 year old is quite the opposite, and I really need some advice on the right way to handle these situations. I've talked at length with him about staying calm, about trying to be brave, and everything else I can think of, but nothing seems to work. What should I do????
My 3 1/2 year old son has always had strong reactions to even minor bumps and bruises that just happen during normal play. Seeing blood seems to heighten his reactions. For example, a small scrape on his knee earlier today resulted in at least 1 1/2 hours of hard crying mixed with being very upset. Sometimes I have a hard time showing any sympathy because I get so frustrated with him. My 2 year old is quite the opposite, and I really need some advice on the right way to handle these situations. I've talked at length with him about staying calm, about trying to be brave, and everything else I can think of, but nothing seems to work. What should I do????
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., May 02, 2001 12:00AM
, May 02, 2001 12:00AM
He's really too young for your advice to take hold. I think you'll do best by responding with equanimity and patience, though there is no need to be overly indulgent. Tend tohim in a calm and reasonable way, and let the chips fall where they may, so to speak. As your son develops, he'll tolerate the normal bumps and bruises of childhood with more balance.
