REGRESSIVE BEHAVlOR

A child may sometimes revert to &quotchildish" behavior which he has outgrown. Wetting his bed, clinging to the parents, thumb sucking, and other problems may occur temporarily, and should not alarm parents. They are normally of short duration.

These behaviors are only signs of the child's anxiety, and parents' acceptance will reassure the child and shorten the duration of such behaviors.

When parents over-react to these behavior patterns (become over-concerned, punish, or nag the child) these symptoms will persist much longer.

Children respond to praise, and parents should make a deliberate effort not to focus upon the child's immature behavior.