Parents may have wondered why some behaviors of their child keep reverting back, even though the child has always developed normally according to their age. For example, a child who used to talk a lot suddenly talks less, a child who had stopped using a bottle starts sucking the bottle again, or a child who could hold their urine starts wetting the bed again. What causes these behaviors, and how can they be addressed?
What causes regressive behavior in children?
- Psychological factors, such as a child experiencing sibling jealousy, especially in children who were previously an only child. When a new sibling arrives, parents may devote more time and attention to the younger child, causing the older child to show regressive behaviors like drinking from a bottle again, thumb sucking, bedwetting, or refusing to take care of themselves.
- Physical illness, in children who suddenly become ill and need hospitalization, which may cause the child to be unable to fully care for themselves and require help from their parents.
- Certain diseases, such as degenerative diseases, which refer to conditions involving the deterioration of tissue or organ function or structure over time. Examples include muscle weakness diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and Rett Syndrome, which is mostly found in girls. These children typically develop normally for the first 5 months, then begin to show regression in hand skills, inability to control hand movements as desired, abnormal movements, poor walking or movement, slow movements, unsteady walking, decline in language comprehension and communication, along with disrupted social interactions.
Approaches and methods to address regressive behavior in children
- In cases where regression follows stress or frustrating events, such as sibling jealousy, parents should talk to their child and reassure the older child that even though a new sibling has joined the family, mom and dad still love and care for them the same. Discuss the benefits of having a sibling, such as having a playmate and someone to care for each other when grown up. Also, involve the older child in caring for the younger sibling, like helping to pick up diapers or bringing milk to the baby, and praise the older child for their help.
- In cases where regression follows illness, allow the child time to adjust. Initially, help the child as needed, but once recovered, encourage the child to resume self-care as usual.
- In cases where regression may be due to certain diseases, it is recommended to see a doctor to find the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
If parents notice that their child shows signs or regressive behaviors, they should seek consultation from a behavioral and developmental pediatrician to identify the cause and address it promptly. This will help the child develop appropriate behaviors and development according to their age.
Child and Adolescent Health Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital, Building B, 2nd Floor
Opening Hours
Open daily from 06:30 – 20:00 (Services at Building B, 2nd Floor)
and 20:00 – 22:00 (Services at Building A, 1st Floor)
Phone Number
02-617-2444 ext. 3219, 3220
