Violence

Hi, my son is 18 months old and for about a month his behavior changed drastically. he is agressive, only says NO< NO< NO<
If he wants something he will start screaming and hitting anyone or anybody. He seems to be speacially mad at me(mom), but at the same time he'll only stay with me. He's sleeping with me, every time I try to put him on his crib at night, he wakes up and won't stop screaming untill I pick him up and bring him back to my bedroom.
I'm scared and desperate, he is a very smart and cute kid but I don't know what is going on!!!
Please help me!!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Bebel,

Your son is doing what many toddlers do. They can be pretty determined, but you have to be the voice of reality and reason. When your son is aggressive, time him out in his crib or playpen. And at night, by all means stop taking him into bed with you. You've got to be firm about this. Every time you take him from his crib, you are reinforcing and encouraging the very behavior you want to stop. There's no need to be scared of his behavior, rather put your energy into responding to it with reasonable limits. Your behavior can help your son adapt to the limitations of the real world. Remember, he's just a child - he needs your help.