Regression: Why your child might be acting like a baby.

“Madison used to be a great sleeper. Over the past few weeks, as the coronavirus lockdown has persisted, bedtime has deteriorated. It started with Madison insisting that I stay with her until she falls asleep. Now she insists on sleeping in our bed all night. “- Psychologytoday.com, parent of a 4 year old.

Regression: a return to a former or less developed state.

This act is common in both children and adults during times of stress. Most individuals are trying to cope on a day-to-day basis, and many of our brains and bodies have shifted into survival mode. This results in difficulties managing everyday tasks and challenges, and ultimately more challenging behavior and regression to earlier or less mature levels of function. In your child you might see: lower frustration tolerance, clinginess, potty accidents, sleep disruption, changing in eating habits, poor manners, baby talk, and lack of social skills. However, it is crucial to work through this behavior in the best way possible, as to not increase negative behaviors. Both of these articles from The New York Times and Psychology Today, can help you to better understand this behavior and learn to work through it the right way.

-Emily Martin, M.S.