Toddler

My apologies if I have not answered this question. I'm having challenges with technology right now! Leo sounds like a normal little toddler. Aggression at this age is very age-appropriate and your action of telling him to come and get you when he needs you instead of hitting is bing on! Young children under 5 years of age need lots and lots of attention and they seem to "act up" when Mommy is busy talking or trying to do things. This need for you will lesson as he gets older, but it's a true need right now and the more you meet it, the more independant he will become. By the teen years, the turn around happens - kids need us less and less and parents, in a misguided effort to connect, often nag their teens, just as toddlers try to get parental attention in socially disapproving ways. It's great that you recognise his need to connect and try to meet it if you can. It's also wonderful that you do the time-out together. He needs you more than ever to help him regain his self-control (of which toddlers have very little of anyways) and you are there for him. Remember to carve out some "me-time" for you so that you can meet his needs. Warmly, Judy Arnall

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