On first glance that sounds like good advice to tell concerned parents to “talk to their doctors.” But what does that really mean? Will the doctor say, “Let’s see if we can do some detective work and find out what is causing the behavior.” Will the doctor say “Perhaps your child isn’t getting enough of the important omega-3 fatty acids,” or “There are some vitamins that might be helpful in improving your child’s frustration tolerance,” or “Try removing the worst of the synthetic food additives that have been shown to cause such behaviors”? Unfortunately, most doctors are taught that when there’s a problem you look for a pill, and those who go beyond this quick fix are often in the minority. I’ve been helping parents of hard-to-raise children for over 30 years, and have found that those doctors who are best informed about how to best help these children recognize that what a child eats has a direct effect on how he behaves. I encourage parents who would like more information to visit http://www.feingold.org.

The concern that Jane raises is the subject of a “Frontline” report scheduled to air Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 10:00 p.m. on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The report examines why approximately 6 million U.S. children are taking powerful psychiatric drugs. “It’s really to some extent an experiment, trying medications in these children of this age,” says one doctor.

I have subscribed to Baby Center since my pregnancy, my child is 15 mos. old. Baby Center is a great resource, very informative, reliable and eye opening. I don’t know what I would do without you guys.

I have a two year old boy who is having some problems. He was born three months early and had a brain bleed. For the last year his temper has been getting worse. He has never been a happy child. I thought his fits were normal for a premature child. Well what he is doing now is scaring me. He bites himself, bangs his head against anything he can find but the worst thing he does is he chokes himself. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know where to take him to have him evaluated. I am afraid that he will hurt himself. I live in Missouri and if you know of a good place to take him please let me know. Something needs to happen.

I would recommend that you contact your son’s doctor right away. If you don’t have a doctor, I contact your local health department or the hospital where your son was cared for after he was born. Hopefully, they can tell you what resources are available in your area and provide you with contact information. The behavior you’re describing isn’t normal and requires immediate attention. For the benefit of you and your son, please don’t delay in seeking help.

Hi, Vicki – My heart goes out to you and your son. I second Amy’s recommendation. Your local health department should be able to help. You might also think about contacting the people at this state office: http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/ They should be able to provide you with some assistance — or point you to the right authority. Please be as persistent as you need to be to get some help. Take good care.

Child Behavior Modification is so tough. There are moments that yelling at them is not enough. Tantrums in toddlers start when they want something which they cannot get or even when you do what they don’t want to.

According to Tantrum Toddlers Researcher, the best way to deal with toddlers tantrums is to create the best activities that are fun and educational. You have to remember that at this is the stage, child adopts all things that happen around him. This is also the best time to allow your child into different activities.

Hi, Tantrum Toddlers Researcher – Thanks for jumping into the discussion!

I find that yelling at a tantruming toddler is rarely adviseable. Children learn by what they see. If the problem with tantrums is that the child is responding to something in an excessively emotional way, we must consider that yelling itself is an excessively emotional response. It is modeling exactly level of behavior we don’t want. In instances of safety, it is warranted; otherwise, I can’t see it.

Yes, organizing fun and educational activities are a great way to head off tantrums. Toddlers’ parents do spend a lot of their time entertaining and diverting their children. Of course, that’s not always possible. There will be times when the toddler just won’t be able to get something he wants (like that piece of broken glass my son picked up at the playground the other day) or won’t be able to have you do something he wants (like go home from his older brother’s school right away).

Your research sounds interesting, but life–at least my life–doesn’t quite fit these particular suggestions all of the time. That’s why I find it helpful to keep in mind what signs might indicate that tantrums might be a warning sign.

My 14mth old daughter has tantrums where she will fall backward without bending her knees, smacking her head on the floor. She screams until she gets her way. I don’t give in so she’s having a difficult time right now. I have four older ones. It doesn’t get better by allowing negative behavior. Do I want them to be injured? No. Will I deal with that behavior at 2yrs, 3yrs, and so on? No. The buck stops here. You will never see me drag my kid around a store or beg them to stop. If they flare up in the store, I leave the cart and take them home to sit it out. They understand what is going on by six months. I know experts disagree with my 20yrs of experience with babies/children. The most important thing a human must learn is self-control. It seems harsh but the sad reality is that some adults have not mastered the skill of emotional control. You hardly ever get what you want in life so don’t lie to them as toddlers with coddling the nasty behavior. The trails of parenting are never easy. I’m unsure why people expect a solution. Children are people with personalities, thoughts, and feelings. They will stand their ground for what they want. They must understand to choose battles wisely and when to throw in the towel. Teach your baby early and often. We do not act like animals, but like a species of the highest intelligence with a great capacity to learn what is socially acceptable. No attention is given for negative behavior. Praise good behavior like you just won the lottery. At 18mths you can start real discipline (time out, take away fav toy, ect.) . Good luck in motherhood.