2 yr old tantrums

[bluebird]

why is a 2 year old stooling then wiping it all over the room, all over himself, n his mouth and drinking his urine. throws tantrums, falls on the ground, hurts himself and don't even cry, cannot walk steps properly and wont listen or talk. PLEASE HELP ME, IS THIS NORMAL BEHAVIOR?

[Debbie Miller, RN]

Hello,
Two year-olds are definitely exploring their world and discovering their independence from mom so it can be hard to tell. I would recommend an evaluation by a child psychiatrist or therapist to see if there is something deeper going on. If you have an early intervention program in your community this might be a good place to start for an evaluation. Or sometimes there are psychologists through the school district or local health department that might to this. I would also recommend a book on child development and toddlers such as What to Expect in the Toddler Years or something by Elizabeth Pantley. She really understands small children and their behavior.

This is exasperating but remember your toddler is not doing this on purpose so punishment is not only ineffective but the child's development does not allow him to associate punishment with the behavior so it can become just abusive and hurtful psychologically. Child development experts, your pediatrician and other health care providers might be able to help.

Good luck.