“Mirror” writing
Many children, during the initial few months of learning to write, often confuse words while writing and so may write “b” for “d”, “P” for “p” etc. This decreases with time and is no cause for concern. However if the problem is persistent, and the child seemingly cannot understand that he is making a mistake, it may be one of the indicators of a non-benign problem called as “Dyslexia” for which medical help should be sought.
Mathematical problems
Another common problem that children have is in reciting 1-100 in the initial few months. They will come to the nines and then get confused as to what follows it. To give an example, child may speak fluently up to 29 or 39 and then forget that 30 and 40 comes after that. If some adult tells them, they will again start fluently 31, 32…. This is also transient.
Bedwetting
This is a very common problem and is called as “enuresis.” The child usually wets the bed at night-time. This phenomenon is normal up to the age of 5 years and only after that the parents should seek medical intervention. For more details on this, parents are referred to the chapter on “Toilet Training.”
Tics
They are repetitive, purposeless, automatic movements and are a means of outlet for tensions. Examples.include throat clearing, nose sniffing, grimacing, eye blinking etc. Though these behaviours may be irritating to the parents, it is best not to call attention to them directly. They disappear more quickly if ignored rather than if the child is made conscious of them. Though these movements are harmless, yet they may be socially embarrassing and in some cases signify an underlying psychological problem, particularly if associated with mouthing obscenities and aggressive behaviour. Thus if they are recalcitrant and severe, the help of a child psychologist should be sought.
Dirt eating (Pica)
This is another harmless behaviour that many children undergo as a part of their growing up, usually between 1-3 years of age. It is postulated that it may be due to iron deficiency in the child. So it is better to get the child checked for them. A trial of iron therapy can also be given. Though the child usually outgrows this behaviour, it should not be ignored. The best approach is to give the child more attention and to keep an eye on him so that he can be checked whenever he mouths the “dirt.” The second way is to provide him with more satisfactory and interesting activities. The side effect of dirt eating is the possibility of worm infestation and chronic lead poisoning.
Rocking, head banging and head rolling
These are all tensional outlets, which are by and large benign and pass off, as the child grows older. The child is sometimes not getting the emotional satisfaction that he craves for and so is under mental stress. This is released in various ways.
“Body rocking”: It occurs at about 6 months of age. In sitting or crawling position, the child rocks forward and backward. Vigorous rockers have been known to move their cribs across the room. Frequently present when the child is tired or near bedtime, this behaviour continues for 15-30 minutes. It usually ceases by the age of 3 years.
“Head rolling”: A lying down child rolls his head from side to side, the resultant friction often causing a bald patch at the back of the scalp. It starts at the age of 7-9 months and subsides by the age of 2 years.
“Head banging”: It typically begins at the age of 8-9 months and ceases by the age of 4 years. Children may bang their head in various positions. Thus the front or the back of the head may hit a solid object repetitively. Episodes of head banging may last as long as 3-4 hours. Out of all these, the only one, which can cause any harm to the child is head banging, particularly if he bangs it against a hard surface. But the child never gets any serious injuries, only maybe some bruises and bluish discoloration. It is advisable to keep the cot padded if the child indulges in such behaviours. Also parents should pay more attention to the child’s emotional needs.