When your toddler has been flying through his developmental milestones and running headfirst out of babyhood, it can be worrisome if he suddenly starts reverting to infantile behaviors. Fortunately, most regression is short-lived and you can steps to help your child get through this potentially difficult period.
Description
Regressive behavior includes anything your toddler outgrew but now wants to return to. A toddler who wants to return to wearing diapers, drinking from a bottle or using a pacifier might be exhibiting regression. Sometime regression manifests as clinginess to one or both parents and an avoidance of people who were once welcome familiar faces. Other children might seem to forget how to do things that they once had mastered, such as suddenly forgetting how to use the toilet after months or weeks of being successfully toilet-trained.
Causes
Regressive behavior in toddlers often stems from frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed. This might stem from developmental milestone she is working on. It could also stem from stress, so many toddlers regress during major events in their lives, such as starting school or day care, the arrival of a new family member or a major change in her living conditions. In some cases, regression could be simply a normal part of toddlerhood, according to an April 2010 article in Psychology Today.
Response
Sensitivity and attention are what your regressing toddler needs most from you, so avoid criticizing or complaining about baby-like behavior. Fighting your child's regression is more likely to prolong it. You can, however, promote any appropriate behavior you do like by praising and rewarding him for acting more mature. For example, you can let him drink water from a bottle when he wants but heap on the praise when he chooses to use a cup instead. The best way to get things back to normal as soon as possible is to address any underlying causes of the regression as well as you can and reduce the overall stress level in your child's life.
Considerations
Toddler regression isn't a permanent condition, so don't worry too much about how long it lasts. In many cases, toddler regression only lasts a few days or weeks and the child returns to her previous developmental level fairly rapidly. However, if your child starts losing fundamental skills such as being able to speak or walk, take her to a doctor for evaluation.
