Contact your pediatrician if: Extreme difficulty separating from parents • Extreme difficulty separating from parents Complete lack of interest in others • Complete lack of interest in others Persistent, severe anxiety • Persistent, severe anxiety Significant behavior regression • Significant behavior regression Signs of depression • Signs of depression

Be consistent - Predictability builds security • Be consistent - Predictability builds security Show unconditional love - Separate behavior from child • Show unconditional love - Separate behavior from child Allow independence - Let them try and sometimes fail • Allow independence - Let them try and sometimes fail Praise effort - "You worked so hard!" • Praise effort - "You worked so hard!" Model healthy behavior - Children learn by watching • Model healthy behavior - Children learn by watching

Q: My 2-year-old says "no" to everything - is this normal?

A: Absolutely! This is healthy development - your toddler is learning they're a separate person. Offer limited choices and pick your battles.

Q: My child is struggling in school and says they're "dumb" - what should I do?

A: Help by finding activities where they excel, praising effort over results, and never comparing to others. Focus on their strengths while supporting challenges.

Q: How do I balance Indian values with allowing independence?

A: You can honor both! Offer choices within acceptable options, explain "why" behind rules, and remember that healthy independence doesn't mean disrespect. --- This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025 --- Need personalized guidance? Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!

Erikson's Stages of Development: What Parents Should Know

Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Child Development Explained

Quick Answer

Understanding your child's emotional development is just as important as tracking their weight and height! Erikson's stages of development explain how children develop emotionally and socially at different ages. Don't worry if your child seems to struggle at any stage - this is normal, and most children navigate these challenges beautifully with loving support.