Child Challenges

MY 14-MONTH-OLD SON, DEV, gets overwhelmed with new experiences, such as meeting new people or going to a crowded place. He starts crying and gets clingy when faced with unfamiliar environments.

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Dev may feel overwhelmed because he's not accustomed to new stimuli. Prepare him for new experiences by giving him an overview of what to expect. For instance, if you're going to a family gathering, explain who will be there and what activities he can expect. Carry a comfort item with him, like a favourite toy or blanket, to provide security. If needed, start with smaller social settings and gradually increase the complexity of the environments. Allow him time to warm up to new places at his own pace.

MY 13-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER, Priya, still relies heavily on her pacifier for comfort and refuses to part with it even during the day, which seems to be affecting her speech development.

Start by limiting pacifier use to nap time and bedtime, and gradually phase it out during the day. Offer comfort in other forms, like cuddling, a soft toy, or a soothing song. If Priya uses the pacifier for self-soothing, introduce other calming activities, like soft music or reading together. Praise her for not needing the pacifier during the day and make the transition as gradual as possible to avoid resistance.

MY 15-MONTH-OLD SON, Siddharth, wakes up crying multiple times during the night and only settles when I pick him up or give him a bottle, disrupting both our sleep.