My Three Year Old Daughter

[cindylee088]

I have a three year old daughter and i am a bit concerned about some of the things she does as well as her development. When she falls down she doesnt put her hands infront of her to catch her, that was the first thing i noticed, then i realized that she cant hop, an she walks a little funny. She also cant say a couple words or put certain words together, she stares at lights, and covers her ears when ever there is a loud noise, or she covers them when she knows a noise is coming. if she hears a loud noise she freaks out. She is also always stomping her feet without knowing she is doing it, and when you bath her she is terrified to get her vagina washed she freaks out to the point where we basically need to hold her dwn to keep her clean. she is also very sensitive, gives dirty looks like you coulnt believe and is very smart in that sort of way she is very rude an bossy. I know lots of kids are and people say its the way they are raised but i raised both of my kids the same and the 2 are completely different.

[cindylee088]

Thank you very much for the advice :) i really appreciate it, i will keep it in mind we go to the doctors tomorrow

[mamawith2girls]

Having a 4 year old, I can certainly understand your frustration. Kids at this age, even those with delays and perhaps even more so, value their independence.

At her age, all she needs is a  good soak in a tub with no bubble bath. At the end of the bath, see if she will give herself a wipe with a soft cloth, and then use a mild soap to wash her body. Just tell her firmly that if she won't do it herself, you will have to do it. And if you feel you have to, just a quick swipe and be done with it. No drama needed. If you can get it done a couple times a week, quick swipe, she'll be fine. It's a trust thing, right....not necessarily a fear thing. And an independence thing....you want her to trust you. That's really really important for the future. But really encourage her to do it herself. She doesn't have to be good at it right away, but she'll get the hang of it.

We buy flushable wipes, which will also help with cleanliness after using the bathroom....even if she is not completely trained (You didn't mention it) Make sure her undies are cotton, changed frequently, and she gets a little "bare air time"....if you know what I mean. That is all that should be needed to keep her clean. She doesn't need to be "washed" down there, especially if it bothers her. Soap is not good for UTIs.

It's possible she could be a bit tender down there, because I know with my little one, dampness sometimes creates yeast, very common, which in little ones really just shows up as redness inside, and it can get sore.

As far as her delays, every child is different, but trust your instincts if you feel she is a bit behind. There are some children who have difficulty processing things like loud noises, touch, etc. It's called Sensory Processing Disorder....and there are variations. There are things that can be put in place to help her along, but it's important to discuss your concerns with her pediatrician, so they can get the ball rolling on assessments, which can take a considerable amount of time. Also, I believe Early Intervention may be able to do a free evaluation, so perhaps speak with Community Services in your area. If she is genuinely delayed in a couple of areas, they could recommend some occupational or physical therapy.

As far as her attitude, I wouldn't even worry about that. Some is likely frustration, and some is being 3. My 4 year old has attitude galore, lol.

Good luck!

[margypops]

I still say holding a child down to do anything like that is a bad idea..I suggest you speak to the doctor .

[cindylee088]

The other child will be 3 in august and thats why im concerned, they are almost the same age and the difference is very noticable people always think she is younger because of the delay, and with the washing she gets bladder infections and is always smelly the doctor has informed us that we need to clean her often. it really upsets me to have to do it but there isnt really another way when she wont allow anyone to do it. And its not just there its basically washing her in general.

[margypops]

A lot of children don't like loud noises, and many have odd little ways like stomping or clapping ,its not a good idea to hold a child down to wash her ..it creates fear ...How old is the other child you mention ,do they play well together. I cannot see that she is suffering from anything other than being a 3 year old .It may be a good idea if you are concerned to speak to the doctor .