There may be times during your child’s early years that you may have questions or concerns about his or her behavior. If you notice any of the following, you may want to discuss your concerns with a pediatrician, your child’s teachers, or an early childhood mental health professional:

In infancy:

• Appears unresponsive to attempts to interact or engage
• Resists holding or efforts to comfort
• Rarely coos, smiles, or vocalizes when you talk with her
• Rarely makes eye contact or avoids eye contact with primary caregivers
• Failure to thrive (children whose current weight or rate of weight gain is significantly below that of other children of similar age and sex)
• Extensive and prolonged eating or sleeping difficulties
• Trouble regulating emotions (Is this an appropriate expectation for infant? Are you talking about the irritable “colicky” baby, may want to clarify or be more specific)
• Little or no interest in exploring her environment

In toddlerhood and preschool:

• Either indifference towards or overdependence on parent(s) or primary caregivers
• In his “own world” (no eye contact, appears uninterested in people or toys)
• Excessive irritability, anger, worry, or withdrawal
• Frequent and extreme tantrums; cannot seem to calm down after a few minutes or with the help of trusted adults
• Difficulty or limited ability to communicate his feelings
• Frequent aggressive or impulsive behaviors towards parents, siblings, or friends
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Lack of interest in playing with others or making friends; or, frequent trouble playing with peers

Social-Emotional Development » Links & Resources

Lerner, C. & Dombro, A.L. (2000). Learning & Growing Together: Understanding Your Child’s Development. Washington, D.C.: ZERO TO THREE

Nelson, J., Erwin, C. & Duffy, R. (2007). Positive Discipline: The First Three Years. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.