Often during the day, my 14 month old son will go into his room, and purposely close the door to his room. Then he will fuss (perhaps out of frustration?) when he can't get out. I have always went to his room and told him I was there and let him out. I guess I have a few questions about this. I read about there being some seperation anxiety in some toddlers.
1 How should I react when he does this?
2 Could he just be uncertain of us being there for him?
3 Has anyone experienced this with a toddler?
I would be appreciative of any advice or suggestions you can give me.
Thanks in Advance.
2007-01-17 17:28:20 · 16 answers · asked by youngladyintxsa 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I think that's totally normal for a 14 mo old to do... you're being paranoid in worrying how to react and worrying if he's uncertain if you are there for him.....
When he does it and gets mad, just go open the door and tell him it's okay. Give him a hug and a kiss and let him play.
If you don't want the door to close, hang a towel over the top of the door and it won't shut.
That's what they do and it's just your job to do repetitive parenting right now.
:)
2007-01-17 19:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by LittleFreedom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may just be frustrated with not being able to open the door. Small things bring huge frustration to a small child just learning and developing his motor skills.He sees everyone else open doors with ease, and wants to do it also. To him its a big deal. And he is practicing, every time he goes in and closes the door. Try putting a stool near the door, if his problem is that he cant quite reach the door knob. Or tape the latch in so that it wont really close all the way. He may still think so and get his reward when the door opens easily. Of course, this may not fool him. Maybe go in the room with him and help him by putting your hand around his and show him how to turn the knob. You also might look into a different style handle that opens more easily
2007-01-18 01:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by firedup 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal for a toddler to feel a bit ancy when he locks himself in a room (by himself). It's not so much that he's separated from you but the fact that he has no control over what's happening. At first, he was happy shutting that door b/c HE did it & he knew WHAT he was doing and WHAT would happen, but soon as that door closes his mind starts to get a bit confused b/c his little hands aren't quite as advanced and, of course, he can't get that door open therefore the frustration comes in....
my 2 year old son (like Ryan's mom) has the utter need to close doors, put things back where they belong (say, the cordless phone)...
they are still learning about their surroundings & are learning to be independent.. that's why it's time to get a door latch... good luck!
2007-01-18 07:30:29 · answer #3 · answered by njboricua78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is 2 now and can open his door, but he used to do the same thing. He is obsessed with closing doors that are open (It was really frustrating during the summer). I finally put a gate up in the doorway of his room so he could not shut the door, but he could see me out in the kitchen.
2007-01-18 01:38:38 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well try and stay clam when this happens and make sure that you go there and keep the door open so that he may get out.
yes he can be uncertain this happens to toddler this age all the time.
I have a toddler of my own so i should now i went throw the same thing but it pass along with time.
2007-01-18 16:30:43 · answer #5 · answered by william G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first i would get a door guard, he will not be able to close the door all the way. when he fusses i would simply open the door and tell him he needs to use his words and ask for mommy instead of fussing. and then pick him up and give him a big hug. this will reasure him, teach him to use words and not whine. but personally i would eliminate the problem by getting a guard and he wouldn't be able to close the door. it can be easily put on and removed and found at most babies r us, walmart and targets.
2007-01-18 01:34:27 · answer #6 · answered by cagney 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try taping the latching mechanism down, so he can pull the door open himself.
And I wouldn't get mad or anything when he does it. He might be testing you, he might be exploring his independence, he might just want to try and open the door himself, but there's nothing to be gained by getting upset. If you think he might be doing it for attention, the less fuss that is made the better.
2007-01-18 01:36:09 · answer #7 · answered by a heart so big 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My daughter, who is 19 months, also does this but she has a fascination with doors...they open and close! And now, he can close them himself. I wouldn't let this worry you. If it was separation anxiety, he wouldn't let you out of his sight, nevermind close doors on you. With my daughter, instead of listening to her yell everytime she wanted out, we put a wadded up wet peice of toilet paper in the door frame part so that it didn't actually close and all she had to do was pull on it a bit and voila...she can open it too! He's just exploring, encourage it.
2007-01-18 01:54:01 · answer #8 · answered by Jenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 14 month old does that too and when she does i just open the door and say peek a boo and she is great so now she will swing it open and closed without closing it all the way and plays peek a boo, but she loves peek a boo so i dont know if this helps really
2007-01-18 01:38:17 · answer #9 · answered by skytzo ! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just get a door stopper so he can't lock himself in.. you can get them from the dollar store, it goes around the door itself so when you close the door, it stays open an inch or so
2007-01-18 01:33:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋