Does your child flinch?

jenifairies

The boy I babysit does. If I raise my hands (like I'm going to pick something up, rustle his hair, tickle him, etc), he flinches like he expects to get hit. This does not seem like normal behavior. Wondering what your thoughts are.

J&A2008

That would worry me, too. 

Does he have older siblings?  If so, it might be from playful rough housing.

Does he have bruises or marks on him anywhere?  Any injuries ever?

Krissi~n~Justin

Elyse does not...   but we've never hit her.

jenifairies

J&A2008:

That would worry me, too. 

Does he have older siblings?  If so, it might be from playful rough housing.

Does he have bruises or marks on him anywhere?  Any injuries ever?

No older siblings. Him and DD don't rough house. And he does have bruises on his legs/arms a lot, but he's also really clumsy. He falls down here all the time.

destea1

No.. she doesn't at all. That is a little odd.... I agree w/ the PP asking if he has older siblings, otherwise, I'd be extra concerned (and maybe ask the parents if the kids rough-house...)

102503Natalie

Wow, no, not at all.  That breaks my heart if that's the case.  How old is he? 

Lucky_Dragonfly

That would def worry me.

betsnup

D has never been hit, but he flinches occasionally - mainly if he's not expecting us to move.  And he'll especially do it if people he doesn't really know make sudden movements (like if they are telling a story and talking with their hands and suddenly put them in the air).  Although I guess I'd consider it more of a startle than a flinch.

If the little boy you sit for does it every single time, I'd be consider, although I guess you have to take his personality into consideration, too.  Is he a pretty timid, shy little guy?

jenifairies

He's 17 months. And he's not shy or timid, but he's pretty whiny and clingy. Even to me. If I try to go in the bedroom and leave him with my mom or DH in the living room he gets hysterical.

funchicken

DD doesn't flinch, but if a kid she doesn't know gets too close to her, she'll sometimes cross her arms and lean away in a protective way.  Some of the kids at our playgroups are older and really into hugging--DD doesn't like anyone but DH or me to hug her.

Bride2bMO

Flinch? No. He startles easily at times. I would observe this boy closely. But, could be nothing. I really hope so.

102503Natalie

Now Anna startles if we move quickly and she's not expecting it, but it's an obvious startle, not a flinch like she's in protective mode.  This is a definite flinch? 

Temp449052375008045

DS startles/flinches easily with a loud noise or sudden movement. He is definitely NOT abused.

Some kids are just more nervous than others. Watch the parent/child interaction and watch for any noticable marks.

jenifairies

102503Natalie:

Now Anna startles if we move quickly and she's not expecting it, but it's an obvious startle, not a flinch like she's in protective mode.  This is a definite flinch? 

Not a startle. He totally recoils, closes his eyes, almost like he's bracing himself, etc. Like an abused dog. I really hope they're not hitting him. I think I'm going to ask her.

Temp449052375008045

jenifairies:

102503Natalie:

Now Anna startles if we move quickly and she's not expecting it, but it's an obvious startle, not a flinch like she's in protective mode.  This is a definite flinch? 

Not a startle. He totally recoils, closes his eyes, almost like he's bracing himself, etc. Like an abused dog. I really hope they're not hitting him. I think I'm going to ask her.

Geez.

DS' is more of a jump. Does anyone besides you and the parents watch the baby?

violetblue72

This is breaking my heart, I hope that's not the case.  Who knows, that could explain some of the clinginess he exhibits with you?  If you care for him, hug him, treat him gently when he's with youhe may hate to have you leave him to go to another room, etc.

Amrice78

no he doesn't and this makes me sad

violetblue72

I'm still thinking about this, trying to offer something constructive... maybe you can call a pedi and ask if this is possible normal reflex in some children.

jenifairies

JuneSUBride:

jenifairies:

102503Natalie:

Now Anna startles if we move quickly and she's not expecting it, but it's an obvious startle, not a flinch like she's in protective mode.  This is a definite flinch? 

Not a startle. He totally recoils, closes his eyes, almost like he's bracing himself, etc. Like an abused dog. I really hope they're not hitting him. I think I'm going to ask her.

Geez.

DS' is more of a jump. Does anyone besides you and the parents watch the baby?

I have him 45 hours a week. No one else watches him except rarely my mom or his older brother (he's 19, doesn't live there, and has a baby on the way).