Stage Fright

Q

My 2½-year-old recently heard a new song that he insisted we dance to over and over again. A few days later, I tried to show my parents how much he loves it, but when I turned it on, he burst into tears and insisted I turn the song off. What happened?

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Postpartum Depression

Q

My husband shows no interest or initiative in helping with our newborn, and it’s making me really sad and upset. I’ve even had suicidal thoughts because of this.

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Foster Child Bonding

Q

Our 18-week-old foster child has been with us since she was five weeks old. Since her mother got out of rehab two weeks ago, she has begun seeing her mother once a week for an hour. Now the baby has started something odd — and this happens only with me. When settling down for sleep, she puts her head on my shoulder, then turns to snuggle up under my jaw. Then she’ll work her way up my face and open her mouth in an O shape, suctioning herself to the side of my face. This usually happens two or three times before she goes to sleep. Is this odd?

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Toddler Comfort

Q

I babysit my two-year-old niece, whom I take to toddler activities with my daughter, who is just two months older. I stay with them for the gymnastics class, but leave while they take a supervised crafts class. My niece cries hysterically when we go to both classes, and continues to cry even when I stay with her. What can I do to help her feel more comfortable?

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Temper Tantrums

Q

When she doesn’t get what she wants, my 11-month-old daughter has little temper tantrums. While I understand this is normal, I’m concerned she will scratch herself while pulling at her hair or clothes.

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Giving Up the Bottle

Q

My two-year-old still wants a bottle when he wakes in the morning, when he goes down for a nap and before bed. I took his soother away at 19 months so I wouldn’t have to battle over it, but now it seems I have a fight on my hands anyway.

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Toddlers & TV

Q

My husband watches adult television shows like CSI and Law & Order around our two-year-old son. He says our boy is too young to understand so it doesn’t matter what we watch, but I disagree. What age should parents start limiting what kind of TV their kids are exposed to?

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Fearful Expectant Mother

Q

My sister-in-law is expecting her first child, and she is so afraid of getting sick that she’s taken to going out as little as possible and even limiting the number of visits from family and friends. I don’t think this is healthy for anyone in that household. Can you give me some insight to pass along?

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