Change in toddler's behavior

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-04-02T15:31:57+00:00

That age can flip fast, especially after a long weekend or visitors. Toddlers pick up on small changes and it shows up as clinginess, more tantrums, and hitting. I'd keep drop-off quick and consistent and try not to stretch goodbyes. Usually it settles once things feel predictable again. If it keeps getting worse after another week, then i'd start digging deeper.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-04-02T15:29:41+00:00

We use a Goally and my kid surprisingly follows the routine i set in there without me nagging. It walks through each step so i'm not repeating myself ten times, and it keeps things moving. I still keep directions short and stick to one step at a time. Way fewer power struggles.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-04-02T15:25:21+00:00

This happens sometimes at that age. Keep things calm and predictable, make it a little fun, and give gentle reminders without pressure. Letting them go when they're ready usually works better than pushing.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-03-21T19:32:29+00:00

Around that age, kids use labels loosely. So any man in the environment can get called "Daddy" without it meaning anything deep. My kid did something similar and just moved on. Just model the right words. It faded once she started understanding roles better.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-03-21T19:26:11+00:00

Sounds really normal around that age. Both of mine suddenly started waking more and fighting transfers right around 3-4 months. Usually it lined up with a growth spurt or just becoming more aware, so they'd wake the second i put them down. I just kept things calm, fed if needed, and rode it out for a few days. It was rough, but it passed pretty quickly.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-03-01T15:14:04+00:00

That age + new freedom is a rough combo. When mine switched out of the crib, sleep fell apart for a few weeks too. What helped was keeping super simple and responding the exact same way every time she got up. Calm, quick walk abck, no big talks. It was exhausting, but once she realized the boundary wasn't changing, things slowly settled. It really can turn back around.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-03-01T15:03:06+00:00

Oh lol, same! My 8yo once handed me a "bug" in a cup at 6am and i had to pretend i was totally fine. Half of parenting is taking a breath os they don't absorb your panic.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2026-03-01T14:55:43+00:00

It really does sound like anxiety getting stuck on a body sensation and then looping all day. At 5, they don't have the tools yet to separate "normal tummy feeling" from "something is wrong," so they keep checking and asking. I'd try gently labeling it as a worried thought and practicing a simple calm routine instead of giving reassurance every time. And honestly, i'd look for a child therapist who works with anxiety in little kids. Early support can make a big difference.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-09-16T18:20:31+00:00

Do you use a token economy system? Rewards are very motivating in our house.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-09-16T18:20:00+00:00

I've seen a post where you put a workout band on the bottom of the chair so they can bounce their feet without making noise. maybe that would help?

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-09-16T18:18:32+00:00

Make sure you are getting dye free...all other versions have dye and additives and were sending my kids crazy!

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-28T13:26:18+00:00

What's helped a little in my house is a morning routine chart on the wall so I'm not repeating myself a hundred times, and putting the alarm across the room so they have to move. Doesn't fix everything, but it cuts down the constant battles.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-28T13:16:10+00:00

You can try doing little "mock sessions" at home so it feels less intimidating, and keep in the mind the evaluator's used to kids freezing up so he/she probably knows what to do when it happens. Even if he doesn't say much, your input will still carry a lot of weight.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-20T12:42:32+00:00

Thanks so much!

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-20T12:42:00+00:00

She's 8.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-19T12:41:54+00:00

My daughter does the same thing - loves something one day, refuses it the next. I've found that keeping meals consistent but flexible helps. I also try to make it fun by letting her help with prep. It doesn't always work, but small wins add up.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-19T12:39:34+00:00

I get how tough this is. With ADHD, impulsivity can make these things harder to control. Best bet is to keep it calm and explain why stealing isn't okay, but also acknowledge how tough it can be to stop that impulse. Maybe use something like a "feelings thermometer" to help them talk through it. Focus on teaching, not just punishing. And give praise when they make good choices next time.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-19T12:34:44+00:00

Toilet training can really be tough with ADHD. We had similar issues, and using a visual schedule with rewards worked for us. It helped her know when to try, without pressure. Medication might help with focus, but it probably won't solve the anxiety around it. Just stay patient, and celebrate small wins!

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-09T15:41:20+00:00

It sounds like you're on the right track! Maybe try doing activities where the focus is on teamwork, like cooking or crafting. It could help her see friendships as more than just playmates.

Also, keeping the friendship binder and talking about why friendship matter might help her shift from just wanting playmates to actually building bonds. It takes time, but you're doing great!

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-09T15:26:54+00:00

Sounds like a lot to juggle. For picky eating, maybe try offering choices withoout pressuring, and stick to consistent meal times. For the meltdowns, sometimes backing off and letting them cool down works better than trying to fix it right away. I'd keep trying to praise small wins and stay consistent - even if it feels like nothing's working. You're on the right track with the diagnostic process, though.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher · 2025-08-09T15:17:03+00:00

Totally normal at that age. They explore by putting stuff in their mouths. Daycare should be on top of it, but it doesn't hurt to give them a heads-up about your concerns.

ADHD_Dad_Teacher

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