Are these 18 month toddler traits normal?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is a huge blessing - but she seems "different" than other kids close to her age.
- I am told she has an unusually large vocabulary and she is able to make 3 word statements.
- She prefers adults and older kids. She is very scared/nervous around yuounger toddlers and is terrified when they grab her (as a normal toddler tends to do)
-When we take her to a crowded playground, she stand there and stares or awhile before she goes to the equipment (usually the swing)
-She is very cautious, almost like a little adult. She will carry a glass of water to me and not turn it over like other toddlers
- She rarely ever put anything in her mouth
- We never had to baby/toddler proof the house. She compeltely ignores outlets, coffee tables and other dangerous thingsin the house
- She is not rambuctious like my friends toddlers
-No tantrums, no risk taking
- Can stay occupied with an activity for a long time
- Always a good eater- never threw food/cups off her table
- She isn't what I would call a shy kid, but she does have her moments of clinginess. She isnt a social butterfly either.

So what's the problem you ask? I have been reading that children that fit this description may have sensory issues. She doesn't have all the symptoms, but some. Is this still normal behavior?

[Anonymous]

Sounds a lot like my son -- which is to say, completely normal, but with certain distinct personality traits.

We moved when he was 18 months and I didn't bother to child-proof the house. I knew that he wouldn't get into any trouble. Very deliberative, cautious, took the rules very seriously for such a little guy. His verbal skills were similar to your child, as were his eating habits, etc. As for preferring the company of older kids, I think that's pretty common. Young kids are fascinated by older kids.

In our case, I put a lot of this down to being the only child of older parents. Is that the case withi you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds a lot like my son -- which is to say, completely normal, but with certain distinct personality traits.

We moved when he was 18 months and I didn't bother to child-proof the house. I knew that he wouldn't get into any trouble. Very deliberative, cautious, took the rules very seriously for such a little guy. His verbal skills were similar to your child, as were his eating habits, etc. As for preferring the company of older kids, I think that's pretty common. Young kids are fascinated by older kids.

In our case, I put a lot of this down to being the only child of older parents. Is that the case withi you?

I am not the OP - but my child is very similar. I am an older mom - what do you think is the connection?

[Anonymous]

PP here. I'm not sure that there is a connection. But maybe there's something about waiting a long time and having just one.

I think because mine was the long-awaited golden child, I was determined to do everything exactly right, was over-protective (reminded him of the rules too much because I was afraid of him getting hurt), talked at him constantly to develop his vocabulary, praised him constantly (couldn't help myself), had the patience of Job when introducing foods and obsessed over his diet, etc etc.

And I was the relaxed one. My mom once put my son in a pile of dirt with a spoon in the backyard. He joyfully started digging and making mud pies, and my husband almost lost his mind because our precious baby was getting dirty.

So, now I have this kid who tries to be a perfectionist. He doesn't want to let me down. School has been wonderful for him -- mostly because he can just get lost in the mix a little.

Again, none of this may pertain to you. But if it does, my advice to you is to reproduce again soon!

[Anonymous]

This might be of interest to you:

http://www.educationaloptions.com/resources/resources_preschool_behaviors.php

[Anonymous]

And this one is good too:

http://www.educationaloptions.com/resources/resources_levels_giftedness.php

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you have a very laid back child. My 13 year old was just as you described when he was that age and he is 100% normal. Does well in school and very out going now.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you are going to worry whatever the answer you get here. See a specialist for evaluation. Chances are your child is fine and the doctor's evaluation will be the only thing to give you peace of mind. It will be the best copay you ever paid for.