Trying Again - Cup to Bottle

[marlasmom]

What do you think the significance is, if any, of a 22 month old who has been bottle free for at least 5 months going back to a bottle.

If you think it is not significant please tell me that too. Thank you.

 

[MELSMICE]

I would consider it regression (is that a word? ). I'd stick with the cup. Is there a reason for going back to the bottle?

 

[mtemm]

I would say regression. Any idea why she was offered the bottle again? As soon as mine mastered the cup, the bottles were put away for good.

 

[marlasmom]

At the risk of breaking confidentiality, it's one of my GAL kids. I have no idea why. Just wanted to know what you all thought of it before I see her.

 

[Zurealsoon]

Unless you are supposed to look into these things, just mind your buisness.

 

[Kermit]

It is a regression, but I don't know if that's a problem. It depends on the circumstances. The world is hard for a 22 month old to process. If there are any extra stresses on the child and having a bottle is what it takes for the child to cope, the benefits may outweigh the negatives. I think that what you put in a bottle and how often the child takes it at that age are very important. No toddler should be walking around sucking bottles of apple juice all day. That just sets them up to always want something sweet. But if it's bottles of water or even bottles of milk at specific times and then drunk all at once, I wouldn't be too concerned. I'd breastfeed a 22 month old, so I don't see why they shouldn't have bottles.

 

[marlasmom]

Zur - of course it's my business. Anything and everything that has to do with the welfare of the child is my business. OTOH CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE such as I am getting here as usual is deeply appreciated.

 

[Beth76]

I think the significance is the mother (or whoever gave the bottle) is being lazy. For whatever reason, they decided to give the bottle back and there's no reason to. And yes I think it's very bizarre. I don't know what kind of advice you're looking for though.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I guess it's either regressing or that they started the child on a cup too quickly. Either way, I don't see how it affects the welfare of the child, as long as the child is getting proper nutrition, it shouldn't matter the vehicle by which they receive their nutrition (bottle, breast or cup).

 

[Toby'sFriend]

MarlasMom -
I am just honestly unclear why you keep coming to this board with these things.

If you honestly feel that this "issue" is of concern regarding a case you are working, then aren't you "professionally obligated" to seek the opinion and advice of a Professional that deals with Child and Infant development issues --- you know, people with diplomas on their walls and maybe "Dr" in front of their name....

Why do you keep coming to a couple of hundred strangers on an internet bulletin board that you wouldn't even recognize on the street, much less be able to cite why you trust their opinions should somebody question you on WHY you are making the recommendations?

I mean, what are you going to say if somebody asks you

"Can you explain exactly why you feel this child is regressing while in the care of ___________?"

"Well, Kermit on the DIS told me so!"

(no offense to Kermit at all, just the funniest name I saw up there)

 

[marlasmom]

(1) I don't have access to professionals who are not immediately involved in the care of the child - in this case none.

(2) It's been a long time since my kids were babies and I value the opinions of mothers.

(3) I am concerned that I am overreacting.

(4) I don't cite the responses I get as a reason for action. I make up my own mind but I like to hear from others.

(5) Some of the information I get is invaluable.

(6) Ok?

 

[Regina]

(1) I don't have access to professionals who are not immediately involved in the care of the child - in this case none.

Wouldn't professionals who have a personal involvement in the case be your best resource?

 

[Toby'sFriend]

(6) Ok?

no truthfully, I don't feel it is ok.

I feel that you are allowing people that you have never met, know nothing about the situation you are working, and for all YOU KNOW may themselves be axe murdering child abusers with a past history of Meth use themselves to offer opinions on how you should view this child's situation.

I don't feel this is ok and if you don't have access to a Social Worker, Pediatrician, Child Psychologist, or other Developmental expert --- then I would think your time would be better spent finding one rather than surfing around the internet posting to various strangers about it.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, I just feel kind of strongly about it.

 

[marlasmom]

Professionals would be a terrific source and I do use them (doctors, teachers, pastors, etc.) but in this case there are none. I have credentials from the court that allow these people to forego confidentiality and work with me. In this case, however, there are none. She has been taken out of daycare (I spoke to her teacher previouslY). I think that perhaps the child has suffered some sort of trauma which has caused her to revert like this and that might be the reason - or I might be totally wrong. You wouldn't know that without knowing the whole background and I can't go into that - but again the insights of the people here have been of great help to me and I am very grateful.

 

[Bob Slydell]

(3) I am concerned that I am overreacting.

Most likely, yes, you are.

 

[marlasmom]

TF - they are just opinions and insights - not cast in cement. As to the meth issue, I learned a great deal and got links to some terrific webcites. It's just another tool. Another point of view - another slant - another idea - all very valuable - but not determinative of course.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

insights and opinions are only valuable when they come from a reliable and trusted source. The internet is riddled with people, websites, and information that is anything but reliable and trusted.

If you really want to be a service to the lives of the kids that you are appointed to, keeping that in mind will be a priority.

 

[marlasmom]

TF - very true and I am cognizant of that.