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Dr. Felicia the ParentCoach
Dr. F. Felicia Ferrara, Ph. D.

ParentGuide.com is pleased to feature Dr. Felicia as an educational resource for parents in Tampa Bay. We believe you will find Dr. Felicia a huge source of inspiration; a common sense advisor and a down-to-earth psychologist who will help you better face the challenges of parenting.

Ask Dr. Felicia
Dr. Felicia will answer your questions on child development that are non-medical related. Please send your question to her using the online form and stay tuned to the Dr. Felicia page on ParentGuide.com for answers to all your questions!

Topic: School 12/02/05
Q. My daughter is in a special ed this year for 2nd grade and is an extemely well behaved child. She had a stroke at birth and now has brain damage in two parts of her brain, left and right side. One part damaged was memory and the other was motor. I have made her teacher aware of this on several occasions. As soon as she forgets anything the teacher raises her voice and also yells at her. We have asked the teacher 5 times not to raise voice/yell. We do not feel this is the correct way to handle a situation. We have also spoken to the principal twice. The teacher is still continuing to repremand our daughter in this way for small mistakes. Can you please give me some advice on what we could present to the teacher and principal for this type of issue? What other ways could the teacher make her remember if at all? What if it truly is a problem from birth, should they be handling it this way?

A. Yes, this a problem as your child will develop greater anxiety around school and eventually, not want to go at all. Please discuss this with the principal or school administrator. If no avail, call the school district special exception department, they often have advise for both sides.

As a special education student, your child has rights to accommodations. You can also call a school meeting to address this with all present as well. You can also call Tallahassee for the Florida Dept of education, see, myflorida.com -special education advocacy, and see if you can find advise there.

Good luck
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Family12/02/05
Q. Dear Dr. Fellicia, I have been engaged to a woman whom has five children, 10,9,8,6 and 4, also, we have a brand new 4 mnth old baby girl together. I have been with them now for just over a year, and I still seem to have trouble disciplining them, and getting them do do whatever it is that I ask them. It gets very frustrating sometimes. Can you please give me some feedback! Also, the ten yr old still has a problem wetting the bed, I believe we have tried everything possible. Thank you for your time, God bless.

A. Wow, you have a big job before you and I applaud your bravery in dealing with so many children, prior to having your own. The extended family business is always difficult. But of course, you are out numbered, which makes it worse.

I would have to ask, how long the children knew you before you moved in or got married. They should always be consulted and made to feel a part of the process, prior to any couple getting together. If you are the one that is supposed to discipline and mother does not, that is not fair. The children only know you as an outsider, not a parent. They harder you try sometimes, the more they resist. Rather, try to take them one by one and find a common ground of enjoyments, whether it is just walking or fishing with the 10year old or sitting and playing monster or blocks with the four year old. You must have some enjoyable way to bond, rather than to always discipline.

Also, with four young children, the noise level and privacy level diminishes, which puts all persons at odds with the group. Try to vent your own frustration by walking away, walk around the block or some other mild form of venting. If interactions become heated now, they will remain that way throughout their growth, which is not fun when they become a 6' teenager. Rather than build a relationship by harsh discipline, you may try behavior contracts, rewards and punishment, and simply talking softer. They have to remain quiet to listen to you. Also, is mom backing you or undermining you? That is an important question. If they already had total freedom in the home, then surely you will not be able to change it if it is not enforced by all adults.

You may pick up a book at the library on extended families as well. This is a common problem in many households across America, but it never gets easier. Each child has their own reasoning and perception of what you are about. But as the adult, the responsibility for 'reaching them' always lies with the parents or adult caretakers.

Hope some of that helps. You may also want to join some family groups with extended parenting arrangements. But in any case, for you to go from being single one year, to married with five children the next, is a mountain to climb for sure.

Good luck,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 12/02/05
Q. What can of stressors, a baby could face (daily)?

A. Babies can experience a lot of stress. Since they operate solely by sensory intake, any environmental changes are reacted to more so than adults may realize. While an adult has many things on his or her mind, a baby has nothing on his mind except 'feed me' 'wash me' and 'change me'. So anything that interferes with calm delivery of those features can become stressful. And of course, some babies are more stressed than others and more sensitive than others. Babies with any kind of allergies usually have a more sensitive system than others and react more severely
to stressors. In practical terms stress is derived from lack of getting needs met,
anger or violence in the environment, frightening noises, and insufficient daily care. Often young parents drag an infant out shopping late or through the stores at Xmas, when in fact, that child truly needs to be getting his rest so bones and muscles can grow. When deprived of sufficient sleep time, babies will surely be overly stressed with heightened sensitivity to the environment.

So to assure a calm baby, keep him well fed, feeling secure, loved and wanted, and of course, provide a quiet-calm environment with minimal disruptions if possible. After all, a baby's only job is to grow and learn about himself and about others in the environment. That is a big task when you start with a blank mind.

See, they have a hard day too.

Good luck and God Bless,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 12/02/05
Q. My son is 4 years old.  He was very easy to potty train and has been potty trained since he was 3.  He has started pre school and hates it.  He has now regressed back to deficating on himself.  Whenever he has to potty, he tries to hold it in then later, we find that he has gone some in his underwear.  We have to make him sit on the toilet and have to literally stand over him to make him deficate.  He will not
urinate on himself.  I can't think of any thing that would have caused him to regress like this except that he hates school.

A. This problem is not as unusual as one might think. Some theorists note that holding onto feces is away of holding onto control. You might take stock of events surrounding your son. Has anything changed or escalated since this occurred. If parents and child are 'butting heads' (pardon the pun), over the matter, then all the more the child will hold onto feces rather than to let it go. Also, the sphincter musceles do not mature as quickly as other muscles, thus he may just need to catch up. Also, if the stool is too soft or liquidy it may suggest a stomach virus
or an allergy to one or more foods he ingested. Enzymes are very specific for different foods, so that may be a problem of insufficient enzyme development. Of course, only a doctor could identify this for sure.

What is transpiring at school, are any boys bullying him, teacher yelling or other anxiety ridden experience occuring. Check all fo the above out and if it continues without a seemingly plausible solution, then please consult with your pediatrician to check out the anotomoical maturity of his body.

In the meantime, do not get caught up in a battle of the minds. Let it occur naturally if possible, and of course, keep a clean change and wash cloth around.

Good luck,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 10/19/05
Q. My 4 year old daughter has a wetting problem. She's been using the potty for a while now and she knows when to go and how to go but she ends up wetting her panties almost everyday. I've disiplined her for it, had talks with her, rewards for using potty. I don't know what else to do. I thought it was because she didn't want to stop playing to potty but now I think there may be more to it. Sometimes I can take her
to potty and she does, then less than 10 minutes later she has to go again. Mostly her panties end up just a little damp, like she's dripping or something. She always seems to have to run or hurry to make it to the potty in time. She tells me she wants to potty and not to wet her panties but it's like she doesn't have control over it. Is this normal? Does it sound like she's just to pre-occupied with what she doing to potty? Or could there be a problem? She doesn't complain about pain while urinating. I am working on teaching her how to properly wipe herself. Also, sometimes, just out of the blue, she'll say her "tootie" hurts. I've heard of some kids having similar problems and having to have surgery to correct it but I don't know if 4 is too early to tell if something is wrong.

A. Your concern is appropriate. However, the bladder is easily affected by various elements of a physical nature, such as picking up a minor germ, bladder infection or underdeveloped urethra. So, first line of action is to rule out physical causes, thus you must consult with your pediatrician. If all checks out there, chances are, it is behavioral. Sometimes, children are in too much of a hurry to get off the potty and
go play, thus they never complete bladder relief, hence the leaking. By four years of age, a child should have sufficient bladder control, and you state that she has been trained for a while on use of the potty.

Sometimes, it is as simple as not wiping sufficiently. Please consult with doctor first, and then observe what she is doing just prior to wetting. Also, was a new infant born into the family? Often older kids regress in jealousy, so consider a new infant, cousin or neighbor baby who might be getting more attention than she. Also, make a big fuss about the grown up panties and how pretty they are, although you probably already have.

So for now, check out things with doctor first, then track behaviors at time of wetting. For example, is always at night, day, or just after a certain juice, etc.

Hope some of this helps a bit. Good luck and God Bless.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 10/19/05
Q. My seven year old daughter whom I would say is extremely well behaved just entered 2nd grade and is being told by the aide that on Mondays and Tuesdays they want the children to drink white milk only and then if they are good they may have chocolate milk for the rest of the week. I do not want to use food for such a purpose and feel it is a wrong choice on the aide's part plus my daughter does not like the white milk they have there.  Should you ever use food to benefit behavior?

A. My first question in regard to above question is if your daughter has any allergies or other aversion to white milk. Then I would ask if you have consulted with the head teachers, to see if she endorses such rule. Regarding whether or not it is good to use food as a rein forcer for behavior, this is not an easy answer. Certainly all parents give foods as a reinforcement, such as when we say eat all of our dinner and you can have ice cream. When it becomes a problem, is when a child is deprived of food for bad behavior, or when too much food as given as a reward-despite that it is unhealthy food versus healthy balanced meal, i.e, a half pint ice cream, full bag of chips etc.

My question about above concerns is as follows: Did the teacher endorse such actions? Also, what is the school policy on food and nutrition? Then, how could one day's behavior be sufficient to afford chocolate milk all week. What if they are then bad on Tues, does chocolate milk go away????
The policy should be validated by school if they endorse it, otherwise, the long stretch of four days chocolate milk for one day of good behavior, poses concern for the thought behind the plan. So, do more investigation before you express your concern to higher ups.

Hope that helps.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Parenting 10/19/05
Q. At what age, if any, is it not appropriate for a boy to kiss his Dad goodnight?

A. It is never wrong for a son to kiss his father goodnight, unless of course there is something inappropriate about the kiss. Hugs are good too.
If you have other concerns, that is different. The current response is based on content  in the questions above.

Good Luck,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Parenting 10/19/05
Q. My ex daughter in law has a new boyfriend as of 3 months ago. My grand daughter, will be 3 in Oct. has told us that she sleeps with her mother and new boyfriend. The mother has always slept in the nude and how horrible it would be if this stranger is doing the same.  Is this sick or what? My son and her will be going to court again over the parenting plan.  Should this information be told at hearing??? What kind of a Mother would do this?

A. I am sorry this was not responded to in sufficient time for your court hearing, but I hope you did bring this up to the authorities. Of course, they can deny it and you have no proof noted here. But by all means, a three year-old should not be sleeping between two adults, parents or otherwise, particularly, if they are sleeping nude and perhaps interacting otherwise.
I hope this helps even at this late date.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 10/17/05
Q. Are there complications that can come from a single-parent dad sleeping in same bed with 6 year old daughter(soon to be 7)? The daughter has been sleeping with him since divorce from the mother some two years prior.

A. Yes.It doesn't matter if it is the mother or the father, but parents co-sleeping with children is not appropriate after infancy, as for one thing, it fosters dependence. It also  deprives them of forming definite boundaries. Of course, other implications are at hand. But for now, consider that to be the case whether it is the mother or the father.

Back in early 90's legislation I FL was passed that indicated that neither parent should be deprived of sleepover visits regardless of gender or parent or child. So that is not an issue, but if you are concerned and see other symptoms in your daughter, as always go directly to the pediatrician for consult.

I hope this helps.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 10/17/05
Q. My daughter is 4 years old and has started in the last 4 weeks having to know exactly where I am. If I don't tell her I went to the main level to get the laundry she panics. She started at preschool crying after I dropped her off. Then not wanting to go to dance and having to leave it. Is there any advice you can give me.

A. Please investigate what other changes took place in her life. Any friends get hurt, family members ill or pass away, etc,

By all means, if once adjusted, this is a drastic change, thus worth investigating. Try speaking with her when alone in a gentle manner. If she was very close to you, or clingy, prior to preschool, then that is another matter. But if you see a drastic change, children who cling are usually very insecure or frightened. So make every effort to reassure her that you are not going anywhere for long. Also, see if something
happened at school, like another child hurting her, etc.

Good luck,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 08/11/05
Q. I am 35 w/a 10 yr. old daughter who still seems to have trouble holding her potty til she can make it to the bathroom. It is only when she gets tickled, teased or hears a funny joke and that tickles her, she doesn't potty her pants but she does tinkle a little in her pants. I feel as though I have failed her in some way or potty trained her
wrong or something. I also have a 7yr. old she has done it as well, although the older one just can't seem to control it as well I am so afraid she will be with a group of friends get tickled about something and tinkle her pants before she makes it to the bathroom someone will notice and then her life as she knows it is over. What should I do I have threatened her, reasoned with her I have tried everything I can think of to get her to be more aware of her body and go sooner or more often still if she gets tickled she tinkles a little in her pants.

A. While I am sure it is frustrating that your 10-year-old wets her pants, by now, I am sure you realize that threatening or yelling will not work. It is not a willful act and I am sure if she could stop she will. First stop is to have a pediatrician consult. She may have chronic bladder infection or other type of urine infection that prompts the wetting. Also, she may indeed by so involved in the activities with friends that she does not go to the bathroom when she should as she does not want to laeve them. And of course, she may also simply be out of touch with bodily signs. No doubt, she would stop if she could but apparently a partially wet panties does not bother her much. Is she should wet her pants in front of others one day, rest assured that she will pay attention to the bladder cues next time. At her age, she is beyond yelling or threatening. It only makes more tension between you and she. It certainly does not reflect on you as a poor potty trainer, so forget that. Suggest to her to see the doctor, express your concerns that it is a matter of time before she has a public incident. Also, moniter her liquid intake, she may be taking too much soda during the day.

Whatever route you chose, try to not yell about it, she needs greater acceptance. But first stop should be the pediatrician to rule out a potential urine infection.

Good luck,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Sleep 08/11/05
Q. My eight month old cries every time I put her down ,even if for a second. And she does not sleep through the night, she would go to bed at eight sometimes and wake up again about four, five, six times during the night.

A. While some infants are automatically attached to mom's more than others, it is quite annoying to the adults trying to get a good night's sleep. Many areas of sleep preparation come to mind. Is your baby eating enough solid food to sleep through the night without crying or perhaps, s/he is getting too much liquid in a bottle before sleep time.

Two reasons baby wake up most, is either, a wet diaper that irritates them or hunger pains that need servicing. Thus, an adjustment should be made to either liquid or solid intake depending on the patterns.

Also, you might try and technical devise that make repetitive sounds near the bed, like an alarm clock with soft music or beats that put persons to sleep. Be sure the windows are sufficiently darkened so that no light gets into alert your infant of morning hours.

By all means, alert your pedicatrician of these facts as some other physical matter may be at hand such as stuffed sinuses, or reduced breath passageways that force a child awake. But if doctor says nothing is wrong, then try other holistic interventions, ie, soft sounds, dark lights and repetitive humming devices, etc. Always withhold excess liquid before bedtime as well.

I hope one or more suggestions above are helpful, and of course, don't forget that molar time is about here. So if your child is cutting molars, that would certainly hurt sufficiently to awaken. In which case, doctor will prescribe an outer gum applicant to releive the pain of new molar growth.

Yipes, these babies are sure complicated, are they not? Keep up the good work as motherhood/fatherhood are the most important jobs we get in life.

May God grant you  the patience (a good night's sleep too).
Dr. Felicia

Topic: School 08/11/05
Q. My son just turned 5 a month ago and has also just started Kindergarten. I also have 2 older daughters ages 8 and 6. My son is extemely attached to me and has never atteneded Pre School or Daycare. The first day of school the teacher came out to my car to tell me that my son had given them some trouble by not wanting to do his work. So I took him home and talked to him about it. The next time he went to school he was perfect the whole day. The next day I get a call from his teacher asking for advice because he threw his crayons and refused to look at her. A couple of hours later the Principal called and said I needed to come and get him because he took his shoes off and threw them into the trash can 45 minutes before school let out. After another talking to the next day went perfect. On the last day he attened school he threw his pencil because the teacher asked them to write down a word and he didn't know how and then when they wouldn't let him close a gate he held onto the gate and then ran a short distance when they got him to let go. This all happened 2 hours into the school day and once again the principal called and told us to come and get him. I will admit that I am extremely stressed out by this and am wondering if maybe we should take him out for a year. We have done everything from putting him into bed at 7 to putting extra food in his lunch box to make sure he doesn't get overly hungry to bribery. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

A. While being attached to you and not being used to preschool or other socialization in a structured setting presents a problem, there may be more than one problem at hand. First, if a child is extremely attached to mom, then usually the child would cry and scream and carry on for mom. Since that was not the case, and simple outward defiance was apparent, the child may not be used to socialized structure and simply defying. His actions appear to be willful and aggressive rather than spontaneous, which leads me to ask, what kind of structure was on your son while at home. Since he has two older siblings, one would believe that he may react in a more socialized
manner. Rather, it sounds like he is having 'mini temper tantrums.' Since the teacher only has a limited time with each student and must address group needs, teachers often have to instill orderly conduct in the room. He may be demanding of her attention but when she/he cannot respond quick enough, your son may over react. This is more likely the case, since he had you all to himself while older siblings were in school. Usually it takes a few weeks to break into the rhythm of a new school setting, and I assume you wrote this within about two weeks of school. If nothing else is to be considered, such as over hyperactivity, then perhaps your son just needs more time. A lot depends on how he is handled at the school level. If teacher and principle have the patients it will take, then by all means give him time. Always encourage him to attend, but perhaps reassure him that his time with you will occur when he arrives home. Do not overlook the aggressiveness in some of his acts, as this will increase with age if he is not curbed of it now.

By all means, discuss this with your pediatrician, collect progress updates from teachers, and then consider all recommendations from professionals. If you obtain a consensus in how to handle the problem across medical and educational personnel, then chances are their recommendations are appropriate.  In the meantime, watch his diet and omit all sugars and soda. He may be hyperactive due to food intake and
this also could account for his actions. So you see, there is no easy answer. But all children need consistency at home in regard to discipline issues, time alone with a loved parent, and structured supervision with non-tolerance of acting out behaviors. It is wise to teach your son how to communicate verbally, rather than through throwing
things now, before he becomes a strong and healthy teen-that always makes the tantrums worse as you can imagine.

In the meantime, soften his environment by lowered voices, dimmed lights, and relaxing movies and music, rather than high action movies. He obviously becomes frustrated quite easily if not in agreement with the adult but he needs to learn self control at an easy age. It is never easy to watch our child struggle or be sanctioned or reprimanded, but overall, it is always fro their own good that rules and structure and respect are learned early. If his hyperactive outbursts do not reduce or subside in the next two months, by all means check with your pediatrician on ADHD issues.

Good luck and God Bless,
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 08/11/05
Q. I would like to know how to approach my 3 yr. old son not to be scared with the doctors. Everytime we went for a check up he just keeps on crying! Pls. help me. Thanks...

A. Fear of going to a doctor is not unusual at this age. There are certainly many reasons why children fear doctors. Figuring it out is like digging in the dark, as at 3 years of age, they can hardly express what they truly are feeling. Questions come to mind as follows, which you may wish to consider. For example:
1. Does the doctor take time to speak with the child and help them relax?
2. Has your child had extensive experience with doctors due to an ailment other than the usual infant/child issues?
3. Is any other person in the family or familiar to the family who has extensive issues that may scare your child, i.e., live in grandmother who is rushed away in an ambulance, etc.?
4. I assume that you model relaxed behaviors about seeing the doctor as well. If all of the above are neutral, then a few mild interventions may help.

A.) Perhaps older siblings/cousins/or friends, could model easy transitions to doctors office.
B.) A prior walkthrough under friendlier conditions could help them get acquainted with the doctor's setting.
C.) Dolls are sold that often mirror doctor environments, or medical bags wherein the child learns to help others (other dolls or stuffed animals), using the doctor bag, then they become more empowered.
D.) Try to make your appointments when the office is slow, so that your child is not hampered by hearing other kids cry.
E) And if all else fails, you may wish to offer your child a reward for being a big boy, i.e, a milkshake or something simple that he or she may really enjoy.

Good luck, I hope these comments help.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 08/11/05
Q. What is a good bedtime for kids under 3?  Right now my kids go to bed at 8:30.  My 3 year old wakes at 7 and my 20 month old wakes around 8.  It works for us but I wonder if I should put them down earlier.

A. Many other readers may envy your sleep schedule. If the current hours work for your family, then by all means keep that schedule. The main point is to observe if your three year old awakens rested and calm the next day. If she feels tired or grouchy, then perhaps she needs an earlier bedtime. But basically, the best measure is your child's apparent sense of rest and preparedness for the next day.

If you do wish to have her sleep earlier, you can also allow greater physical activity to tire her earlier than usual. Warm milk and honey also have a calming effect on children. But the main motto with children is, 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it.'

But I will say, by all means remain consistent with bedtimes. As soon as children learn they can stretch the limit, they will. Also, if you and your husband are content with your private time at night, then everyone should be happy. But never sacrifice time alone with your partner to allow a child to stay up later than necessary.

For now, it sounds like you have it all under control. So, if all family members are happy, don't change a thing.

Good luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 08/11/05
Q. My 2 year old had a sudden behavior change Saturday, crying screaming, couldn't sit still, wouldn't sleep or eat.  what can cause this?  We where out of town at a family reunion, it was hot, he was in the pool.

A. A sudden behavior change is of concern. Usually some event must have precipitated it. Perhaps an older child teased your child or something scared him/her. Try asking what happened once the child calms down, even with limited vocabulary you may get a response that enlightens you about the problem. Or an older child may be able to shed light on the matter. Perhaps a bee or bug stung him. Check for debris in the pool too.

In the meantime, observe any reoccurrences for patterns and environmental events if this happens again.

Good luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 08/11/05
Q. My 2 1/2 year old daughter had a terrible UTI about a month ago and was cleared by her doctor about a week later. Before we found out want she had she was constantly grabbing herself, the nurse said she was possibly itching and burning. Now she is still doing it from time to time. I don't know if maybe her underwear is bothering her (it's cotton) or if it is habit. My husband thinks she may have to go to the bathroom and is just not wanting to stop playing to go. I checked her last night and she's not red like she was during the infection and we also stopped giving bubble baths and watching closer during bathroom times. ALso is it bad to still put diaper cream on her?

A. When a youngster is 2.5 years of age, it is difficult to understand as they cannot express what they feel. But I applaud you for watching the signs and staying 'tuned' in. Of course, anything physical is a medical question and the pediatrician may best help there. However, along with the UTI infection, did he doctor check for yeast infection or other type viral concern. Often these viruses can form from various events.
Sometimes, simply sweating to much can cause a yeast infection. Check the panties to be sure if they are anti allergic. Also, check the soap and other toiletries as you already have. But usually girls don't scratch that often, so you are wise to be concerned. If you did not already, please be more inquisitive with the doctor and ask him to check for other infections, etc.

Stay with it and follow your instincts, which seem pretty good.
God Bless, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 07/07/05
Q. What is the correct name for the hand mouth foot disease?

A. Please find the following excerpt which I gleaned from the pubmed website after much research. It may answer your question for now. Essentially, Hand, mouth and foot disease is a virus that can spread and should not be taken lightly. Various degrees of severity can arise if left untreated.  Your pediatrician should be able to get more information too.
Good luck., Dr. Felicia


Enteroviral Infections: Common in Childhood
The enteroviruses include numerous strains of coxsackievirus, echovirus, and others. These viruses are responsible for illness in 10 to 30 million people each year in the United States, primarily in the summer and fall. Infections are highly contagious and typically affect many people in a community, sometimes reaching epidemic proportions.
Enteroviral infections are most common in children, particularly those living in conditions of poor hygiene.

The infection begins when material contaminated with the virus is swallowed; the virus then reproduces in the digestive tract. The body's immune defenses stop many infections at this stage; the result is few or no symptoms. Sometimes, the virus survives and spreads into the bloodstream, resulting in fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting.
People often refer to such illnesses as the "summer flu," although they are not influenza. Some strains of enterovirus also produce a generalized, nonitchy rash on the skin or sores inside the mouth. This type of illness is by far the most common enteroviral infection. Rarely, an enterovirus will progress from this stage to attack a particular
organ. The virus can attack many different organs, and the symptoms and severity of disease depend on the specific organ infected. Several diseases are caused by enteroviruses:

Hand-foot-and-mouth diseaseaffects the skin and mucous membranes; painful sores appear inside the mouth and on the hands and feet.
Herpanginaalso affects the skin and mucous membranes, producing painful sores on the tongue and the back of the throat.
Aseptic meningitisaffects the central nervous system, causing severe headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
Encephalitiscauses confusion, weakness, seizures, and coma.
Paralytic illnessleads to weakness of various muscles.
Myocarditisaffects the heart, causing weakness and shortness of breath with
exertion.
Epidemic pleurodyniaaffects the muscles, leading to intermittent painful spasms of muscles in the wall of the lower chest (adults), or upper abdomen (children).
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitisaffects the eyes, causing painful, red, runny eyes; bleeding under the conjunctiva; and swollen eyelids.

Enteroviral infections usually resolve completely, but infections of the heart or central nervous system are occasionally fatal. There is no cure. Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms.

Topic: Behavior 07/07/05
Q. Since she was a baby, my daughter has sleep difficulty.  We need to carry her and swing lightly until she sleeps. This happen for afternoon nap as well as night sleep.  She is now 2 years old and this habit only get worse. It's very difficult to make her sleep (with lots of crying) and she will wake up two or three times at night and crying constantly... My husband suggest I let her cry it out since she is not sick and think this is only bad habit, but I'm afraid it will make her trauma and also the next day she will get sore throat.  Any suggestion or input on how to handle this?

A. It sounds like you and your husband are both right and both wrong in different areas. Yes, your daughter now has a bad habit. But have you tried other solutions such as leaving sound effects in her room, like ocean sounds or humming lullabies. Many children need that extra touch to sleep. In addition, warm baths just before bed, warm milk with honey, touch massages and soothing talk are effective means to calm a stressed child. While this may be a bad habit, allowing her to scream and cry is not necessarily going to cure the problem; you may just end up with another one, such as a traumatized child. So, please try other interventions first.
Good Luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Travel 07/07/05
Q. Long question: I have friends traveling to NY - my daughter's grandparents (on deceased father's side of family) live in NY ... friends traveling to NY have offered to travel with my daughter to NY so grandparents can have her visit with them - a total of 10 days.  My daughter just turned 4 at the end of May .... I'm not feeling real
comfortable about this - at what age could a toddler travel without her mother and have it be a positive experience.

A. By all means, your child is much too young to travel with strangers on 10 a day trip to NY. Since your child is here in FL and grandparents are in NY, the child may not feel that familiar with them. So, in short, I would say that to send a four-year-old away for 10 days, with acquaintances and then have her live in unfamiliar settings with grandparents who may have a totally different life style, is a bit much to say the least. Then again, if you say, no, the grandparents are heavily involved in her life, you might try a four day trip or weekend trip first. Also, are you familiar with the home setting???  Of course, it is wonderful to have grandparents that want to keep her for 10 days, but your daughter would have no way of communicating to you if she becomes frightened, upset, or insecure about anything as phone access may be restrictive to say the least. Event the airlines recommends not sending children on flights alone, if they are under age seven. That also, depends on how mature the child is to begin with. So, this may not be what you want to hear, but your child is much too young to travel alone.
On the other hand, why not invite the grandparents to FL?
Good luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Potty Training 07/07/05
Q. I have a 5 year old step daughter who I potty trained at 3 years old. She never had an accident untill about 8 mos ago and she started pooping herself at least once a day now in the last week she has peed herself 4 times. We've seen her Pediatrician, they say it's nothing medical. I need help and her birth mother has never been much to rely on so its mostly just me and my husband. We are both at our wits end. Do
you have any suggestions? Please help.

A. No doubt this is a frustrating problem for you. Glad to hear you consulted with the Pediatrician, who ruled out any physical explanations. Next, I would ask what changes, if any, occurred in her environment. Kids do not usually regress without a reason. Do you share visitation privileges? Who and what occurs when she is not with you. Also, are there any other younger children in the family who may get
more attention??? The slightest thing could trigger regression in children. It is imperative that you spend quiet time with her and let her simply reveal whatever is on her mind. Such thoughts have a way of popping out spontaneously at bedtime when the child is relaxed and sleepy. Perhaps you could linger in her room a few minutes and let her know if anything bothers her, to feel free to tell you.

Please examine the persons and events in her life as well, leave no stone unturned. Although none of us wishes to explore or consider the worst, in today's world, we must be ever so cautious. One never knows what may occur within a few minutes of time to a young child, thus, extra caution is warranted today as compared to twenty years ago.
Please reexamine other changes in her life or persons she may be in contact with. Sometimes, it is as simple as the neighbor had a new baby.... Kids have a way of perceiving such things as extreme monumental problems. Please explore such events with her. Also, be sure to reassure her with love as she too is not sure what is happening. If this sounds complex, it is. A child's mind has a way of jumping to
erroneous conclusions and perceptions, beyond adult imagination. Stay with her and give lots of hugs.
God Bless. Dr. Felicia

Topic: Separation Anxiety 07/06/05
Q. I am a stay-at-home mom that has always done parent-child activities with my 2 boys who are now 2 1/2 and 4 1/2. My 4 1/2 yr. old has gone to preschool 3 mornings a week for the past 2 years, and while it took some initial adjustment being away from me, he made the transition. He did start to cry at school in the middle of the year this past year for some reason, but adjusted again after a couple of weeks.
What I'm trying this summer is taking the boys to the YMCA nursery at 8am every morning to get them used to separating from me, especially the 2 1/2 yr. old that has not been apart from me very much. I have tried for a week, sitting with them for 10-15 min. in the nursery, then leaving, but the caregivers come and get me after 5 or 10 min. as the younger one is crying, which causes the older one to cry! I am feeling so emotional about it and feel like crying all the time because they are so afraid to be without me, even for a short time and I talk to them and assure them it is a safe, fun place and that I will be back very soon. Everyone tells me to keep going every day and be consistent and they will adjust. Right now, it feels like they will never adjust and are shy to mix in with the other kids. Any suggestions would be welcome!

A. The problem you describe is not unusual but it is a difficult one for sure. First, concerning your 4.5 year old who broke down mid-school year. I will ask if anything changed in his environment. Any family changes, relative illness or death of a close family member. Usually, once a child makes the transition, they do not regress. Is another child bothering him at school or other issue? As for your 2.5 year-old, it
sounds like he is overly attached to you. Crying at separation from parents at this age is not unusual, but when other children are present, it usually serves as a distracter. So, reexamine if perhaps you may not dolt over the boys too much, so that they react the same toward you. Perhaps, they overhear stressors in the family that cause them to worry about you, your health, of other problem of an adult nature that they should not be involved in. The more emotionally secure child will easily
separate from the parent for short durations. Perhaps you can increasingly leave your child with other parents, friends or relatives for short durations so that he gets used separating in general. Or, in some instances, school has allowed parents to sit with the child or stay in the room for short periods until he is used to staying. Your older
son may see the attention the younger boy gets when he cries, so of course, he chimes in too.  But rest assured, the behavior will adjust in time. Do not overly smother the child with worrisome actions like hugging too much or holding him when he cries about separating. Let him know firmly that he will stay with the other kids and you will return. Perhaps, the school staff will allow you to pick him up for short stays at first, then increase the time he remains over the week. Of course, if your son's reaction causes all the kids to cry, the whole classroom will suffer. Be firm and consistent, which ever way you chose to handle this. But by all means, never let him see you cry or be upset. Act perfectly happy to go and yet, reinforce the concept that you will return. Some parents enforce that if the child is good and remains without crying, some reward will follow when you pick him up. Perhaps time at a park, lake, zoo or other setting that the child likes. In either case, be firm yet consistent.
Good Luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 05/06/05
Q.Hi there, i have a little boy who is about 3 and a half. I have been toilet training him since he turned 2 (very causually) and by the time he was about 2 1/2 he could go all day except for bed time, then by the time he was 3, he could go all day and through the night. Now...this is my problem...we we went on holidays at the beginning of the year to Cairns for 2 weeks where he pretty much had his swimmers on all day every day and in the surf. I THINK he got used to being like this and i know this is really gross, but i think he just got used to doing a pee in the water. Now the other thing is, his older sister started school for 3 days a week around this time also. NOW..he is really bad and just fully wetting his pants where when he was younger it was just a little bit...ie the size of a 50c piece now and then. What i am wanting to know is, do you think that he is re wetting his pants because of a bad habit or do you think that because his sister is going to school OR do you think that he could have a problem. I would be really interestted in your thoughts.

A.Your son seems to have regressed to pre toilet training stages. When this occurs at age 3.5 there is usually a reason, either physical or emotional. Firs stop of course, would be the pediatrician. Please relate the problem to him and have him checked. Muscle development may be involved and should be ruled out. But given that he was once trained and now regressed, more likely it is emotional. Many questions surface. Are any other small babies new to the family or cousins? Also, what age group are his playmates. If they are younger, may emulate them. Any other changes in his environment should be assessed. How does he react when he is wet, does it bother him or does he simply accept it? If it continues after doctor visit, please consult a behavioral specialist or child counselor as other reasons may contribute to the problem. References can be found on the website for American Pediatrics Association or for American Psychological Association APA.org
Good luck Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 05/06/05
Q.My son just turned 3.He has been in his crib since infancy and now I want him to sleep in a new twin bed. He has always liked his crib, never climed out and will play in there for an hour after he wakes up.My husband and I cleaned and painted the room across the hall from him,took him with us to pick out his "big boy bed" and have tried to involve him with getting the new room ready.He seemed really excited about the new room but when we tried to move him to the new room he cried and really seemed scared. I tried not to change any of his bedtime routine,he has a night lite,I even laid down with him (then he just thought it was time to play). My husband says we should put him in his new bed and let him cry it out. I told him I thought we should let him get used to the new room for a while before forcing him to sleep in it.There is no baby on the way or anyone taking his old room. How should I handle this so my son feels safe but yet he is not manipulating mom?

A.In this case, you are certainly right. Let your son get acquainted with the room for a while. But letting him cry it out seems a bit rough at this age. It should be all right in about a week or two. Start by putting his favorite toys in the room and let him help decorate it. Let him assist with bringing items into it and emphasize other boys in the family or neighbors who have 'big boy beds'. But to simply shock him into it by taking one away and giving the other in an overnight move is not proper. Also, when guests come to the home or family members, be sure they praise the idea of a big boy bed and compliment that.

Three years of age is a long time in a crib and no doubt, he is very attached. Also, see if perhaps you can put the side bars up on the bed, this may give him comfort of being contained. You can purchase portable side bars which are placed between the box spring and mattress.

You might start playing with your son in the room and be sure to read night time stories to him at bedtime for a while to put him at ease. You might also invite an cousin or friend to come and sleep over night as well. I am sure he will make it sooner or later, we all do.
God Bless. Good Luck, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 05/06/05
Q. My boyfrend and my 5-year old son were joking around (with words only) about spanking each other, etc. Then my son said "Well, I'll stab you and cut you into little pieces." It was said in a playful manner, my son was not angry at all. He never says those type of things when he's mad or getting in trouble. He never throws temper tantrums, he'll just whine and cry if he doesn't get his way. He's a gentle kid and all the parents and daycare teachers think he's well-behaved and nice to be around. Plus, he's very intelligent and picks up EVERYTHING he sees and hears around him. And don't boys tend to be rough when playing? Cartoons are violent, for example, he watches Tom and Jerry a lot and it shows the cat getting cut into pieces all the time. Do I have anything to be worried about?

A. Regarding your 5-year old son who made verbal comments suggesting stabbing your boyfriend and 'cutting' him, although they were both horsing around as done many times in the past. You asked, where did it come from? Should you be worried about this statement, although it was said in a playful manner?

Chances are, your son did hear someone say such things, either another boy at day care or on TV. If no former strain existed between your son and boyfriend, then do not worry. However, keep an eye out for friends he plays with or if the statements come out again. Of course, the best time to talk to kids and see if a problem exists is at bedtime, when you are alone and he is more relaxed. Be sure to explore why he said such statements, and he may simply reveal the source. Are any other persons feeding your son's words such as an ex-husband or boyfriend that still has contact with your son?

Yes, boys will be boys and they do imitate other person's words or actions. If said without anger and nor former concerns or strains were noticed, then it may be a spontaneous statement without realization of its full intent. However, depending on how long your boyfriend came into the picture; your son may very well resent time you spend while with boyfriend versus with him. After all, to your son, this is just a stranger and most children do not hold the sense of love or attachment to newly acquired partners as father or mother feel about their new love interest. More times than not, they view them as a competition for your time. So, first, speak with your son alone when he is relaxed and not distracted by activities. In the meantime, be sure to move slowly when it comes to bringing a new person around the household, as kids normally want your individual attention and feel quite threatened by another person to share with, especially a stranger to them. Please refer to your local book store for books on family transitions. In the meantime, be sure to spend time alone with your child or children even though time constraints arise. A child's mind jumps to all sorts of conclusions whether watching others, viewing a well intended after school movie for kids, or simply imagining all sorts of scenarios of loss and abandonment. Yes, all kids feel this when new persons enter the household. So be sure to include him in many conversations about any dating interest before announcing any grand love or significance of the stranger. Good luck on the transition, it is always difficult and stressful for children when parents date. After all, at this age, you are the MOST significant person in his life. Walk slowly and tread easily on child/parent love relationships, they are unique and special, often requiring the utmost nurturance so as not to rock your child's world.

May this new phase of your life be rewarding and fulfilling, Dr. Felicia
May Your Life Be Enfolded in Love n Light.....

Topic: Health 05/06/05
Q. My daughter was completely potty trained when she turned three April of last year. She is now 4 and unfortunately, for the last 5 months she has been wetting her pants on an almost daily basis. We moved into a new house right about the time that she started to wet her pants, and I have been told that stress sometimes causes a child to regress in potty training. She knows that she shouldn't wet her pants, but she will do it anyway. If she is to busy playing or watching TV she will not get up to go to the bathroom. The only time that she does go to the bathroom is when someone physically takes her there and helps her with every step of the process. She knows how to do it on her own, she was doing it for a good 6 months without any accidents when she was first potty trained. What is the best way to change this habit? I have tried everything I can think of.

A. Regarding your four year old daughter, who recently regressed to wetting her pants again, although fully potty trained a year ago. You noted that you moved into a new home at the time. Well, yes, sometimes that may cause stress but more likely something else is going on. As always, the first step may be to consult with the pedicatrician and see if perhaps, a physical reason interferes with her toilet habits. For example, she may have a bladder infection from not wiping herself well enough or any other type of irritation may occur. Most doctors don't expect to examine a little girl in private parts, but this sounds like a simple test or two can check that out. Second, reassess her play and sleep habits. Have they changed extremely? Does she spend time with someone more so than before the regression. And of course, I must ask, are there any newborns in the picture. While it is true that many events may cause a child to regress, it is usually a bigger change in circumstance than just moving. Relationship ties may be strained or placed in a competitive nature such as a new neighbor's child getting more attention than she gets. In any case, it behooves you to watch closely for patterns of differences from the prior household to the current living conditions. Any new persons, activities, or extended contact with others may also help. Does she attend day care, and if so does it happen there as well or with other babysitters or just after seeing other persons. So, you see, seek out the patterns that changed rather than simply assigning it to a new home.

So, although regression in potty training is not unusual, the more common reason is a significant difference in daily contacts and interactions than due to a change in residence, unless of course key persons in her life have changed. As always, consul the pediatrician first to rule out any physical complications.

Good luck, Dr. Felicia May Your Life Be Enfolded in Love n Light.....

Topic: Behavior 04/03/05
Q. My 27 month old is constantly crying these days for everything. I know that these are the "terrible two's" but it gets frustrating. To eat, to change, when another child touches him. Yelling doesn't work and we do not want to constantly yell anyway. Any advice?

A. You are right about one thing, you do no want to yell at the child as that only begets greater crying....If you want your child to model calm behavior, you must model it for him. This is not to say that a crying child is not frustrating to deal with, but it appears that your child is overly sensitive, assuming all other things are ruled out. Also, assuming you have discussed this with your pediatrician, and if not, please do so ASAP.

Although terrible twos are known to be resistant times, or full of 'no' responses from you child, that does not mean they are entitle to cry incessantly. But of greater importance if of course, why...is the child crying so much. Small children are often difficult to read but it appears some other issues might be causing your child to cry so much. It is important that you observe him/her under many conditions and with great sensitivity on your part. Try the following:

1. Look for behavioral patterns: For instance, if crying occurs at the same time every day or night, after a certain meal, or when returning from a certain visit. Another words, look for patterns of the crying. IF necessary, start writing it down and keep brief notes of time and what happened just prior to the crying fit.

2. Watch of symptom signs: Does the child touch or handle a certain part of his body very often such as grabbing his ears, scratching the same place, or any other repeated touching. This is often a toddlers way of letting you know something hurts...such as with ear infections...babies often pull at their ears. IF you are not paying attention, you might miss the sign.

3. People problems. Does this occur only after interaction with certain people or events? If so, please examine the context of the problem further.

4. Symptoms of larger problems, once pediatrician consult, daily observations are examined, you might then have to face that you have a highly sensitive child, (often known as HSP...highly sensitive people) who may overly react to items in the environment throughout life as they feel, see, and hear more deeply than others. This is often true with precocious or advanced children. In fact, there is a book out entitled, 'Highly Sensitive People.

5. Florida allergies, Of course, living in FL, you cannot rule out allergies at this age. See if he or she has chronic eye rubbing, running nose, or other symptoms of allergies. Ears and sinuses infections are very painful for children...so please address them quickly if it appears to be the problem.

6. Model behavior. Be sure to keep surroundings calm and peaceful. Baby massages help to calm and soothe a restless, hyperactive, or agitated child. It sounds like your child may simply need some extra calming solutions, such as body robs, soothing talk and lullabies, and of course, there is also music for MOZART babies, that help them relax and be calm. In addition, of course, the old fashioned rocking chair is another easy fix that bonds both parent and child in a soothing and loving interaction when mom or dad hold baby closely in a loving manner.

Hope these cues helps a bit, and as always, consult with your pediatrician first if not already done, as we always need to 'rule out' any physical problem causing this such as impacted baby molars, etc.

No one ever said it would be so easy to raise a child, but all children come without rule books, unique problems, and complex operating systems. Be patient, loving and calm when interacting with your child, as hard as that may be sometimes, especially when tired after work, but the extra sentiment comes back tenfold when the child adapts the same mannerism.
God Bless, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 03/27/05
Q. My 15 month old son bites when he is angry or frustrated with my 3 year old daughter. When I see it happen I tell him "No" and put him in his crib. If I don't see it happen but see the bite marks I point to it, and do above but I'm not sure he's making the connection. Any other suggestions?

A. Hello. You say that your 15-month-old bites the threee-year-old often. It is unusual but you must first observe the true problem. Perhaps the 3-year-old is provoking the 14-month old but coy enough not to let you see that. Please observe from a disance and see if you could get a better picture of how the problem starts, under what circumstace, and what else is happening when this transpires. How often does this happen and how disturbed or upset is your three-year-old when this occurs.

As for a deterrent, yes it is better if you catch the misbehavior exactly when it happens. Also, for now, you might continue what you are doing as a 14-month old has limited comprehension anyway. But do attempt to scold the toddler as immediately following the behavior as possible.

Also, alert your three-year-old to tell you, or other adult, immediately rather than wait until time passes.

Your 15-month-old may also be teething with molars and biting many other things, so check that out too.

Do not be overly harsh when punishing the younger child, as remember, they model our behavior. So keep you tone soft and perhaps cuddle the anger out of him. There must be some reason that anger is so provoked in the child.

If it is about sharing or expecting to grab toys away from sister, then that is another problem revolving around sharing. Sharing is a concept that takes time to develop and behavior must be shaped with repeated, but soft and firm reminders. If your son is overly demanding and picking on his older sister, then perhaps we have an angry temperament that will take time to change in demeanor. But your do not heal anger by harshly getting angy at the culprit. Mild manners must be modeled by caregivers.

Your first step would be to get a better observation of the problem in action. Second, assess who is truly the culprit. Third, assess the motivating factor behind the biting. Fourth reassess and evaluate your repsonse to the problem.

I hope for everyone's sake, you do not have generally angry young toddler on your hand as you have not even reached the horrible twos. If the problem occurs often and toward other children as well, then a nursery school may have a problem keeping him. If the problem only occurs when with sister but he plays fine with other children, then perhaps you best take a better look at sister's actions too.
Good luck, May harmony occur in the home, soon.
God Bless, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Health 03/27/05
Q. My child is very constipated and says that her stomach hurts. Is there a natural laxative?

A. Hello. As always, I tend to want to ask many questions. How old is your child? How long has this been going on? And I assume that you have or will shortly consult with the child's pediatrician-as with physical issues in infants and children, that is always the best place to start. By consulting with a pediatrician, the doctor can rule out any other physcial symptoms that a lay person or parent might miss, such as a distended stomach, inadequate enzyme production, etc.

In the meantime, natural remedies are available in typical foods, varied diet with high fiber or roughage and always a non stressful environment.

Fruits, vegatables and other roughage foods are excellent for reducing constipation. Apples containt a peptin that also assists. If gas is blocking the child's efforts, then peppermint is help in reliefing acide indegestion and yes, illiminating gas. Be sure a balanced diet is used.

Lubricating foods, high in fat content may help as they lubricate the mucos lining of the colon, such as yogurt or acidophius and fruits, especially papaya, pineapple, prunes** and figs. Prune juice is also helpful.

Vitamin intake should be monitered too because if your child does not ingest a balanced diet, then again thiamine may be missing and / or other vitamins needed, such as Vitamin A, B complex, B1 and B6, etc.

Physical exercise and movement is important as all children need to be physcially active to form toned muscles and it also keeps physical health in good shape. If your child is simply lying in front of the TV each day after school, that is not good either.

So you see, many contributing factors can be remedied naturally but please, always, always, always start by consulting with the pedicatrician.
May the path become easier in a rapid manner.
God Bless, Dr. Felicia

Topic: Parenting 02/22/05
Q. At what time in the child`s life can we start teaching him/her values and manners?

A. Good question. Start teaching a child values and manners as soon as possible. Usually by the time they start being mobile on their own, reaching for things or walking or talking. Always teach them to say thank you. Teach them to share and never let them get away with misbehaviors. Firm but gently and reinforcing corrections should be used, not spanking or harsh yelling. (Yelling sort of automatically allows us to tune out). So, with gently reinforcement and of course, modeling good behaviors and good values, a child will automatically internalize what he/she sees. Hopefully, all adults in the child's life use the same manner of teaching and guiding the child. Never overindulge any child or allow them to get away with misbehavior as it will come back to haunt you as the child get's older, bigger, and more demanding. It is never too early to start.
As always, God Bless. Dr. Felicia.

Topic: Health 02/22/05
Q. I have difficulty to make my 15-month old daughter brush her teeth regularly. Could you give suggestions on it?

A. Yes, you might try making it a playful time with kid-like toothbrushes. Also, she may be cutting another molar or tooth that is iritated when brushing, so check with the dentist on that one. Perhaps if you both brush your teeth together, it might help. Can you try a different tasting tooth paste? You may have aleady tried the above, but still further things to try are to get toylike tooth past dispensers, where she can push the button and make the tooth past come out on its own. Perhaps you can play favoite songs while she brushes or allow her to have a separate tooth brush for a favorite doll sit by the sink and brush the dolls' teeth as well, in playful imitation of course. Well, I believe that is all for now, but please do check with her dentist.
So long, happy smiles. Dr. Felicia.

Topic: Health 02/22/05
Q. My 13 year old child is not good in eating even if the food he is very appetizing , which I believe is the reason that he is very lean . What would you suggest in attaining that cause?

A. Many children start out very lean, but mature into solid built persons by late teens. First, you might check with his doctor to see if he falls within average weights for kids his age. A doctor can tell you if he under average or not. If not, do not worry about his leanness but do watch that he has sufficient vitamin intake.

Also, many kids show preference for one or two food items and parents believe it is not enough. More importantly than amount he eats, is the variety of food groups that he eats. Also, a daily vitamin supplement may be needed. Perhaps he prefers a particular spice over another and that may be a simple solution. See if you can pick out, with the child's assistance, one or two foods from each food group that he prefers. Of course, more is always better. Also, you might tie in a reward system to the food type. For example, if he is interested in weight building, let him know how much protein is in foods that might enhance muscle building. If he enjoys the computer, let him know what foods help eye and vision accuracy. And of course, at this age, show him data on how complexion is affected by denying the body of certain food groups too.

So, you may have to do a bit of homework to prepare but any health food store could direct you further as well as websites for health foods. Hope this helps, I do understand your concern. My son had a very lean body type too. He wore slim clothes throughout his youth, and now as a grown man, guess what? He is still slim and loves it.
Dr. Felicia

Topic: Behavior 02/22/05
Q. What is the remedy for preventing kids insulting their ages and calling them by with bad names. This is when they ceaslessly do that till it has became a behaviour?

A. I am not quite sure I understand your entire question, but I will try to address it as I read it. My first thought is, how old are the children with the undesirable behavior? I am assuming someone is calling your children names such, that now they also say the names. Verbal abuse is never allowed or productive. If the person who is calling them these names is an adult, he or she may need to be enlightened on how harmful verbal abuse is to children. It lowers their self-perception and self-esteem. It also heightens the tolerance level for them to take abusive treatment