My 3 year old daughter is very very angry...

Question

I posted a question yesterday about my 3 year old daughter who is just very angry. She bites herself until her teeth marks are imprinted in her skin almost all day, she bangs her head on the floor and wall, she slaps and hits herself in the face. Anyways, I took her to see a doctor yesterday and he is sending her to the hospital for a child psychiatrist consult for an evaluation. But at our hospital, what they have is a team of doctors, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, neurologist, nurse. A whole bunch of people to decide on who can help her best. And my daughter is always colouring in black, she wants a black room, draws mean faces and is acting really different. And I am a single mom so I don't know what to except when I go to the hospital for the meeting. I want to get my daughter help but I feel like I am a horrible mom that she needs this type of professional help at age 3. And the doctor says that she has all the symptoms of a child who is being abused and It made me cry that someone would maybe even abuse her, so Monday I am going to meet with daycare to see if anything happened there, and the doctor said she may have depression ( how can a 3 year old have depression ) or she may have ADD.So I am just so overwhelmed

Answer 1

omgggg.......dont wrry..its not ur fault! just hang in there...the doctors will figure something out!

i hope everything ends up okay!  

Answer 2

has anything traumatic happened in the family lately to make her act out? My son had alot of anger last year when my husband was deployed. Sometimes that's there only way to express how they feel, they don't understand their emotions let alone how to cope with them. Hope everything works out!!

Answer 3

Does she spend much time with adults other than you? Her dad, preschool, sunday school, a babysitter? If they think she might have been abused, make sure you keep an eye on the people around her. In the meantime, take her on happy outdoor outtings (the zoo, the park, etc) - I've heard sunlight can really help with depression. I hope she's ok.

Answer 4

If this is a new habit your child has formed, you need to ask yoursefl the following question: Has anything happened to your daughter or her routine that could cause her to be lashing out in this way? A divorce, seperation? Even new teachers at preschool or a new child can cause a dramatic change in behavior. Even deeper social-psychological problems could stem from a traumatic encounter.... physical/emotional/sexual abuse can cause these types of outbursts.

Remind your self that you are NOT a horrible mother. You are noticing a problem and are taking steps to correct it. You can expect a barrage of questions when you attend the meeting. At times, you may feel as if you are on trial....as the social worker will be questioning your methods of parenting, your homelife and intimate details that you've never dreamed of sharing. As infuriating as these questions may be, remember, that they are all in the best interest of your daughter and a tool in determining the underlying problem causing her behavior. It sounds like more than just ADD/ADHD. .. the possibility of therapy seems likely.

Kudos are in order.... I can't tell you how many parents I've delt with over the years who are in denial about their childs' problems. It's going to be a rough road, but stay strong :) Good luck to you and your daughter.  

Answer 5

i hope she's ok.