Patient's question:
The child is three years old and is taken care of by their grandparents at home. Recently, the child has suddenly become less talkative, unresponsive to others, and reluctant to play with other children, but they still talk a lot with their grandparents. The child currently attends kindergarten. According to the child's grandmother, the child became quiet after having an accident in school—soiling their pants. The next day, the child stopped talking, and it's unclear if this is related to the incident.Previous treatment history and effectiveness: No treatment has been administered, and there are no known genetic conditions.
Type of assistance needed: The child's parents are wondering if the child's behavior might indicate a psychological issue.
Doctor's answer:
As children grow, they not only undergo physical changes but also experience psychological transformations. According to the criterion of "distinguishing between self-contradictions," Erikson's stages of development serve as a representative model. He divides the expansion of children's psychology into:First stage: Trust vs. Mistrust (0–2 years);
Second stage: Autonomy vs. Shame or Doubt (0–4 years);
Advice: Your child is only 3 years old, and there is still a lot of room for growth. With dedication and guidance through this stage, they can effectively overcome shame and develop healthily. Parents should actively communicate with kindergarten teachers about their child's progress, provide more encouragement and praise within the school environment, and avoid mentioning bowel movements anymore. Instead, they should indirectly teach the child how to report bathroom needs. Starting with small steps should yield positive results.