Understanding Repetitive Behaviors in Children: Insights from a Child Psychologist

As a working parent with a 3-year-old, I have encountered many experiences that shed light on the unique world of early childhood development. My son, a lively and curious little one, has shown a variety of repetitive behaviors that have been both puzzling and, with the help of a child psychologist, enlightening.

Background: My Child’s Environment and Upbringing

I am an Indian parent, and in our household, our mother tongue is Hindi. In an effort to ensure my son becomes more familiar with English, we have exposed him to a variety of media and cultural practices. We started with age-appropriate videos such as Peppa Pig, Blippi, and educational number and sound videos. These activities not only entertained him but also introduced him to different linguistic and cultural elements.

We celebrate Indian festivals such as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi, deeply ingraining in him the values and customs of our culture. These festivals provide not only a fun and engaging environment for a child but also a sense of ritual and tradition.

A Special Case: A Ganesh Chaturthi Tragedy

Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival in our household, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and good fortune. During this period, we set up a small pandal (temporary shrine) at home and worshipped Lord Ganesha for a week before the visarjan, or immersion, which takes place in a nearby river. It is a time of joy and spiritual significance for our family.

On the day of the visarjan, a moment of confusion and then a display of creativity and innocence occurred. My son, sensing the excitement of the day, ran to his room and announced, “Everybody, come here! Bappa ji!” – a name he affectionately uses for his idol of Lord Ganesha. His cry was a puzzlement to those around him, but to a child psychologist, it reveals an understanding of the child's connection with the festival and idol.

Techniques of Understanding Repetitive Behaviors in Children

According to a child psychologist at TalktoAngel, recognizing and understanding a child's repetitive behaviors is crucial for their developmental journey. Here are some key techniques and insights:

Emotional Connection

A child's repetitive behaviors, such as my son's reverence for the Ganesha idol, often stem from a deep emotional connection. It’s essential to observe these behaviors and communicate with the child to understand their emotional expressions and connections.

Social and Cultural Context

Creating a supportive and enriched social and cultural context can help a child understand and express their feelings in a meaningful way. This involves providing explanations, helping the child associate activities with cultural values, and encouraging them to articulate their thoughts and feelings.

Behavioral Therapy

Child psychologists may recommend behavioral therapy to address specific concerns. This could involve gentle redirection, reinforcement of positive behaviors, and gentle strategies to cope with expressions of confusion or excitement that may seem misplaced to adults.

Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive and loving environment where children feel secure and valued is fundamental. By acknowledging and validating these behaviors, parents can foster a sense of belonging and understanding in their children.

Conclusion

The experiences of my son have highlighted the importance of being patient, understanding, and culturally sensitive in guiding a child’s development. By fostering an enriching environment and seeking expert advice, we can better understand and support our children’s unique behaviors and expressions.

Key Takeaways:

Repetitive behaviors often have emotional and cultural roots. Understanding these behaviors through a child psychologist’s guidance can provide valuable insights. Creating a supportive and enriched environment is crucial for a child's development.

Moving forward, I am more equipped to navigate the various behavioral landscapes of my child, enriching my understanding of their world and our shared journey.