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Basic InformationMore InformationLatest NewsSwallowing Magnets Can Be Fatal for ChildrenHealth Tip: Schedule Baby's First Dental VisitKids' Reading, Math Skills Tied to Future SuccessHealth Tip: Monitor Fat in Preschoolers' DietMost Docs Don't Follow ADHD Treatment Guidelines for Preschoolers: StudyBlind Cords Pose Danger to Toddlers, Doctors WarnMany Parents Give Kids Cold Medicines When They Shouldn't, Survey FindsHealth Tip: Make Kids Safe in the SandboxHealth Tip: Promote Fine Motor Skills in PreschoolersHealth Tip: Encourage Your Toddler to ReadHealth Tip: Helping Kids Conquer BedwettingFrequent Moves Take Toll on Poor Kids, Study SuggestsToo Much TV May Make Kids Antisocial, Study SuggestsAHA: Most Packaged Toddler Foods Are High in SodiumReady-to-Eat Foods for Toddlers Often Too Salty: StudySwitch to Skim Milk Won't Prevent Toddler's Obesity: StudyHow to Prevent, Treat Diaper RashHealth Tip: Be Careful With Kids Around Water at HomePraising Kids for Efforts, Not Qualities, May Help Them SucceedEarly Dental Care Can Help Keep Kids Smiling for Years to ComeDay Care May Not Raise Behavior Woes in Kids After AllPrevalence of Undervaccinated Children IncreasingThigh Is Safer Vaccination Site Than Arm for Toddlers, Study FindsMental Health of Dads-to-Be May Influence Toddler's BehaviorHealth Tip: Don't Overfeed Your ToddlerHealth Tip: Help Ease Night TerrorsEarly Language Skills Reduce Preschool Tantrums, Study FindsHealth Tip: Keep Kids From Choking HazardsKeep Tots' Milk to 2 Cups a Day: StudyIron May Curb Behavioral Issues for LBW InfantsMake Sure Toys You Buy Are Safe for TotsKids' Generosity May Depend on Who's Watching: StudyHealth Tip: Is Your Child Ready for a Tricycle?Potty-Training Method Won't Affect Tot's Health: StudyKids Still Swallowing Magnets Despite Warning LabelsTaking Terror Out of Nightmares: Tips for ParentsDelayed Auditory Processing Found in Fetal Alcohol SyndromeHealth Tip: Kids Need to Stop Sucking Their ThumbsWhat Looks Like Play May Really Be a Science ExperimentHealth Tip: Keep Baby Safe in a StrollerHealth Tip: Coping With Separation AnxietySuper-Shy Preschoolers Might Struggle AcademicallyKids Develop Sense of Humor by Age 1, Study FindsHealth Tip: Cleaning a Young Child's TeethLaundry Detergent Packs Pose Poisoning Threat to ToddlersTiny Batteries Pose Growing Threat to KidsDaily Temper Tantrums Not the Norm for Preschoolers: StudyPopular Characters Can Help Kids Eat Healthy Foods TooAnesthesia Before Age 3 May Raise Risk of Learning Delays: StudyKids Who Can Resist Sweets Might Be Slimmer as Adults Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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4 year old depressionThu, Feb 26th 2009I have a 4 year old step son who's mother has been in and out of his life. She and his dad split up when he was one and a half, he lived with her for a few months while she luckily was in and out of jail for short periods so that he didn't notice. Then she ended up going to jail for eight months. During that time his father and I began a relationship. His father basically ended up with custody (there were no court orders). Her parents (his grandparents) still take him from time to time. She got released and saw her son off and on for weekends and such. In the mean time his father and I have been married and a few months after his mother ended up in prison for a year and is currently serving her time. I have always tried so hard to help this poor kid understand that I can be there for him and help him with things too, but he is very particular with who he likes. If he doesn't like you, can tell by his actions. He has a hard time competing for attention when other kids are around, and would prefer to only hang out with adults he has known his whole life. And most importantly he is overly obsessive about his dad. He follows him everywhere and if he is not in the same room he goes on a search to find him right away. We have started taking both of our 4 year olds to the same babysitter so that its easier for the both of us. He drops the kids off and I pick them up. The problem is I think this kid has major issues, and its noticeably worse now that I have him home without his dad. He mopes around, gets very agitated by my son, who just wants to play with him, and cries and cries and cries. But when his dad gets home he has started taking short periods of playtime with my son and we all get along fairly well. I swear I am the only one who notices this kid needs help and It is driving me crazy. I don't know what to do or how to tell his dad that we should get him some counseling. Please help me, I am desperate. THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.
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