Flu Shot???? - Boynton Beach,FL

Hi Kristy. My son is now three and I can tell you that as a two year old, any little disruption (sick, travel, house guests)would lead to a long transition period afterward. Just because he is not sick any more doesn't mean he is willing to go back to the pre-sickness routine. One afternoon of letting my son nap in my bed while he is sick takes about 3 weeks to get him to willingly sleep in his own bed again. Two years olds are very good with the "give an inch, they'll take a mile." And then it is a long battle to get them back to their sippy cups and not Capri Suns. It is not the shot -- it is the age. I've since learned to be careful of what wishes I give into with my son when he is sick because he will EXPECT them to continue after he is better. Hope this helps.

http://www.thinktwice.com/flu.htm

It may just be a coincidence. On the morning of his 2nd birthday, my previously agreeable toddler woke up with the corners of his mouth turned down, and everything was suddenly "No!" accompanied by a foot stamping. And all I did was offer him birthday pancakes! This went on for over a year.

Hi Kristy-

I know exactly what you mean!!!! Me and my son got flu shots, the nasal spray kind, and I felt sick in one way or another for almost a month. He was out of sorts for two weeks. I have a 4 month old so we did it to protect her, but I was so sorry I had done it. That doesn't mean that he isn't playing this situation like an accomplished pianist also. He's two and they can calculate. Try not to break too many old rules. Give him extras and special times if he's sick, but if its usually a sippy cup, then give him a sippy cup. Tell him your out of Capri Suns, you're really sorry, but all you have is the sippy. He'll take it. Or buy Honest Kids juice. Only 40% the sugar in a pouch with a straw like capri. A straw is a step up in development anyway, so ditch the sippys for some cool straw-no spill cups. By next year they may not allow sippies at your preschool so why not nip that in the bud now.

As far as the whining goes, I hate to break it to you, but welcome to toddlerhood. It never ends. I talk to the preschool Mom's and I have come to accept that my 2 year old's constant whining is just being two. Try not to battle too much. Its not worth it. If ever a saying fit a situation, "Don't sweat the small stuff" should be the motto of parents with toddlers. And the behavior can get catapulted by an event, such as being sick. Its like Helen Keller when she realized what the sign was for water. The light clicks on for them and they realize ....."Ahhhhh, I can manipulate. Cool. Time to be 2."

Also, get used to the frustration. Its a normal and healthy stage of development as children try to become independent. Ask him if he needs help, wait if he wants to try himself and then when he needs help, tell him to ask you calmly 'Mommy, can you help me, please" Eventually he will get it. My son asks for help about 50% of the time,sometimes he doesn't even whine anymore when he asks. Just keep reminding him that all he needs to do is ask for help when he's frustrated and can't do something himself. Also, explain to him what he's feeling IS frustration, what it feels like and how to handle it. He doesnt know what he's feeling is frustration. He's just pissed off.

But, honestly, I don't know your son. Only you really do.I would say if your gut is saying don't give him a second shot, then don't until you see a second doctor. Ask a friend, or if you feel comfortable, post your town for recommendations for a new dr.

It sounds like just a normal 2 year old, but you should get a second opinion. Don't get carried away with the panic over vaccines. The flu shot does cause flu like symptoms, but not feeling great and running a fever is NOT influenza. In the long run feeling crappy for a few weeks is a whole lot better than being near death if it really hits you hard.

Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

May I suggest you read THE VACCINE BOOK by DR SEARS. It provides very informative information on each and every vaccinne. Ingredients, side effects etc..... This will allow you to make an informative decision on whether or not you feel your son needs the flu shot. I personally, do not want to give this particular shot to my son. My pediatrician, who is pro vaccine, said that the flu shot is given to children primarily to help protect the older generation from getting the flu. I dont know how accurate that is but I found it to be an interesting perspective.

I think he's 2. They can go from very sweet to very awful in about half a second at this age. And I think indulging him is only making it worse. Stop indulging! Even if there were something "wrong" with his brain, I doubt you'd spend the rest of your life giving him what he wants, so just go back to normal. Discipline, discipline, love, love.

Hi Kristy,

I wanted to write you, but don't have the time for everything at this moment. Email me at ____@____.com and I will send you much needed info on the flu shot and giving it to children, especially children with already compromised immune systems.

Talk to you later,
C

Hi Kristy! I've been out of town, or I would have responded sooner. My advice...do not, for any reason, give your son the follow up flu shot. We have chosen not to give our daughter any vaccines, because of the potentially deadly/damaging side effects. The flu shot is among the worst. It is one of the few shots left that contain thimerisol (mercury). The mercury level in thimerisol is 1000x more potent than the mercury in tuna. We are told to not feed our children white tuna b/c of the mercury..but it keeps going in their little systems from vaccines. You can do your own research by heading to the websites educatebeforeyouvaccinate.com and momsagainstmercury.com . I don't want you to freak out about his behavior change...it could certainly be part of his "terrible twos"...but I would freak out about the bad reaction he had to the initial shot. Here is the best advice that I can give to you....take as much time as you would spend researching a new car purchase on researching vaccines. I can guarantee it will change your perspective!
A. C.