Behavior Issues

Behavior Issues

The other day, I was filling out some paperwork to start the process of getting Cooper into some therapies and I had to go through a list and check all the behavior issues he struggles with. As I went through the list I noticed something interesting.

Disrobing (removing portions/all clothing)

Cooper – No, Ellen – Yes

We are constantly finding Ellen naked around the house. We especially have to make sure to check on her after she’s fallen asleep because she apparently prefers to sleep nude even though she isn’t potty trained.

Elopement (running away)

Cooper – No, Ellen – Yes

Cooper riding his bike home from the park. He like to lead, but never crosses streets without help.
Cooper riding his bike home from the park. He like to lead, but never crosses streets without help.

Frequent screaming/crying

Cooper – No, Ellen – Yes

The other day, Ellen climbed into her stroller and screamed and cried. She didn't want in, she didn't want out.. Cooper kindly brought her a puppy in hopes that it would calm her.
The other day, Ellen climbed into her stroller and screamed and cried. When I tried to unbuckle her she screamed louder. Cooper kindly brought her a puppy in hopes that it would calm her.

Noncompliance/refusal

Cooper – Sometimes, Ellen – Often

I put on Sesame Street for the kids one morning while I did my hair. Apparently it wasn't entertaining enough for Ellen so she took all the magnets and papers off the fridge and even tore apart homemade magnets from church and our class.
I put on Sesame Street for the kids one morning while I took some pictures for my shop. Apparently, Ellen didn’t want to watch Sesame Street because she came upstairs and took all the magnets and papers off the fridge and even tore apart all the homemade magnets.

Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, etc.)

Cooper – No, Ellen – Yes

Cooper kindly "making me eggs for breakfast."
Cooper kindly “making me eggs for breakfast.”

Property destruction

Cooper – No, Ellen – Yes

One morning while I was doing my hair Ellen got a carton of strawberries out of the fridge, took one bite out of every strawberry, and tore open a stack of mail I hadn't put out yet for pick-up.
One morning while I was doing my hair Ellen got a carton of strawberries out of the fridge, took one bite out of every strawberry, and tore open a stack of mail I hadn’t put out yet for pick-up.

Obsessive/repetitive patterns

Cooper – Nothing concerning, Ellen – Says whatever she wants over and over again until she gets it, repeatedly destroys everything she touches.

Ellen pouring baking soda all over the blender.

Self-injurious behavior

Cooper – No, Ellen – Accidentally, all the time.

Ellen precariously standing on a chair while playing with cars at a local auto shop.

Verbal aggression (threatening, swearing, etc.)

Cooper – No, Ellen – It isn’t always clear what she’s saying, but when she gets mad it sure sounds aggressive.

Cooper on top of a climbing wall at the park patiently waiting for me to notice.
Cooper on top of a climbing wall at the park patiently waiting for me to notice.

Even though Cooper is supposedly more high risk for behavior problems it seems our “normal” child has more cause for concern. Let’s hope it’s just part of being two.

Proof that Ellen isn't always a monster.
Proof that Ellen isn’t always a monster.

5 thoughts on “Behavior Issues

  1. I give you credit for documenting (with photos) all the great chaos that Ellen creates. I think Ellen is doing a great job at being two….only eleven more months to go, right?

  2. I tell you what, Shane and Ellen are made for each other. While reading this list I found myself saying yes to most of them for Shane. I’m with you hoping it is just the age and the need to learn to talk when upset.

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