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2.11yo DS just not himself - is he ill or anxiety about new baby?

6 replies

SESthebrave · 22/04/2012 09:31

2.11yo DS is normally pretty chilled and easy going. In the last week he has become sensitive, crying when he wouldn't normally over things that aren't as he wants (eg: out walking dogs and DH went ahead with the dogs and I lagged behind and he stood still crying as we weren't all walking together).
He also is being more picky about things - eg: bedtime story on Friday. He brought a book upstairs he wanted, I started reading it, he changed his mind and had to have another book which I got and started reading and he changed his mind to a third book (which I didn't give in to).
Nursery have said he didn't seem himself on Thurs & Fri as he wasn't listening quite so well and he had a couple of wee accidents which isn't like him.

He also seems to be becoming more attached to me. He insisted I did bedtime story last night, even though DH was there poised and ready. This morning was my turn for a lie in so DH went in to him when he woke and called out. Ds saw DH and said "no, go away. I want Mummy". DH told him I was sleepy and had to deal with tears, frustration and lack of cuddles he would normally give.

Now there could be all number of explanations but I wondered what fellow MNetters thought could be the cause and how we should deal with it.

Possible causes could be:

  • DS could be unwell. I've checked his temperature and it's fine. I've asked him if he's ok or feels poorly and he says ok. He has been in contact with a couple of cases of chicken pox in the last couple of weeks or it could be something else.
  • it could be anxiety about the arrival of DC2. I'm 35wks pg and he could be trying to get his head around the changes that will bring. We've tried to help prepare him by talking to him throughout and occasionally reading him books about a new baby coming. In the last week there are 2 other toddlers he knows who have had new siblings born. He's not met the babies but we've spoken about the fact the babies have now arrived.
  • he's currently transitioning from nursery room to pre-school room at nursery. He will be in Pre-school all his nursery hours from 30th April but has been doing a mix for the last 4-6 weeks. I'd be suprised if this is an issue as he loves his days in pre-school and already has a good bond with the staff there. Unless he's bored on the days he's in nursery room.

Any thoughts or advice please?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
CogitoErgoSometimes · 22/04/2012 10:38

I think he's probably just more aware of the world in general. At nearly three they start thinking about things that they are blissfully unaware of at earlier ages... can make them seem more demanding when they're not so compliant. A new baby is a very exciting prospect and, a bit like the run up to Christmas, excitement and anticipation can make children behave differently. Changing rooms at nursery ditto. I remember DS starting nursery school and, even though he was really looking forward to it, he had a few restless days beforehand. I'm sure he'll settle down if you carry on as normal and don't try to overcompensate

SESthebrave · 22/04/2012 19:44

Thanks for your reply. He's been ok today just still not quite himself. He's back at nursery tomorrow so we'll see if that makes a difference one way or the other.

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LoopyLoopsTootTootToots · 22/04/2012 19:45

Sounds like run up to chickenpox to me.

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SESthebrave · 22/04/2012 19:49

Loopy - If it is, I hope (selfishly!) that it doesn't come for a week so I can do my last week at work and tie up the loose ends but comes before the baby!

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LoopyLoopsTootTootToots · 22/04/2012 20:41

Are you immune?

SESthebrave · 22/04/2012 20:54

Yes - I had it when I was about 7yo so that (thankfully) shouldn't be an issue!

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