2 1/2 Yr Old Acting Out

he probably gets a kick out of the squeals. he's only 2 1/2, don't read too much into it. unfortunately unless he does it around you (and i assume you have talked to him about this as well as you can without seeing it), there's not a whole lot you can do. hopefully the teachers are doing time out or whatever, disciplining him. at 2 1/2 he's not really going to get it unless you catch him in the act and discipline/correct him right there. this will mostly have to be up to the teachers, i'm afraid.

F.-
It sounds a bit like a game. If you play something like this at home, just make sure he understands that it needs to stay at home. It's special just between mommy and him. I used to chase my boy and smooch him up and down when I caught him. How horrified was I on the first day of school in first grade when he was suspended for "sexual harrassment" because he was playing the same game with a little girl in his class?
S.

Hi F.,

Whenever we wonder why are kids are behaving a certain way, the easiest solution is to ask them. Granted, at this age, you might not get the clarity you would like, but it is certainly a good start.

Your son is behaving this way for any number of reasons: he's curious about what girls have in their pants; he likes the reaction he is able to elicit when he does this; he's learned that it is an easy way to have power in a his world; etc.

It's important that you recognize that this is not uncommon behavior or kids at this age. Without chastising him, and while using a 2 year old vocabulary, you need to openly discuss how it might make the girls feel. Also, it's important that you understand how powerless children feel at this age. He needs outlets to feel powerful. Here is an article that should give you some ideas to help him.

http://www.gilabrown.com/GB/Blog/Entries/2009/7/21_The_Ga...

Be well,
G. B., M.A.
Child Development Specialist & Parent Educator
www.GilaBrown.com

He may be acting out because he just started day care. It is a big transition, and he may need time to adjust to it. Clearly he should be told not to pull their pants down, but he may just need some extra love an reassurance from you while he gets used to day care. Good luck!