I fear Olivia might be depressed

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over the past few days, I've noticed Olivia sit there in her chair, head cocked to one side and non-reactive sometimes crying.

I've looked it up and yes, toddlers can get depression.

I'll need to talk to the pediatrician about it but I was hoping someone here might have some experience with depression with their pre-schoolers. Anything I can do to keep her more happy more of the time? You know, more active and stuff?

Does she have any favourite sensory activities? My son has always been very sensory driven and if I provide opportunities for him to explore new sensory activites, or let him do some favourite ones, he's thrilled. It sparks his brain and he feels more fulfilled.

She loves music and playing with balls and stuff she's not supposed to be.

The "playing with things you shouldn't" is definitely NT toddler. LOL

Can you give her a new experience? Play-doh? You can make your own so if she eats it, it's not harmful. What about creating your own ball pit since she likes balls? If you have enough random balls, throw them in an empty bathtub and let her play

we have a Dora inflatable pit of balls with extra balls.

I'll try new things with her.

Shame it's so cold and slippery outside.

I know. It would be much easier if it was nice outside. During the winter, I like to blow bubbles in the bathroom with the kids. Huge hit! But put towels on the floor because I found out (through trial and error) that the floor gets very, very slippery!

It might also be worth having her checked out for a urinary tract infection. When my son was at pre-school nursery the staff told me that he was sitting at the side, crying and seemed generally down. He was also pretty lethargic and easily distressed, but quietly so, at home.

To rule out any physical problems first I took a urine sample to the doc, and it turned out he had a urine infection. I was surprised as he hadn't been in any pain, and seemed to have been peeing normally. The doctor told me that in young children, and elderly people, UTI's can often be overlooked and mistaken for depression.

It might not be the cause in your daughter's case, but well worth getting it checked out, especially as very easily and quickly treated with antibiotics.

Do toddlers like cranberry juice?

maybe she's comng down with something?

She might have a flu virus, or an ear infection.

I wondered if she's in pain.

You posted your toddler is sitting with her head cocked to one side...could it be an ear infection? It's common for little ones to lean their head to one side, or shake it, or pull on their ear if their ears hurt.

Wiggle her ear or press in front of her ear, and ask her if it hurts. They usually can tell you.

Metta.

You posted your toddler is sitting with her head cocked to one side...could it be an ear infection? It's common for little ones to lean their head to one side, or shake it, or pull on their ear if their ears hurt.

Wiggle her ear or press in front of her ear, and ask her if it hurts. They usually can tell you.

Metta.

nope. Not an ear infection. Tubes are clean.

The doc thinks it might be her getting a new or different perspective on stuff as suggested earlier.

thanks for your help and concern!