Are My Child’s Behaviors Caused by Daycare Abuse or Neglect?

From a child’s first smile to their first steps, these milestones are celebrated by parents as signs of growth and normal development. But what happens when a child suddenly begins to regress—when a child who once spoke confidently starts using baby talk again, or a potty-trained toddler begins having accidents or wanting to wear a diaper? While these regressions can sometimes be a normal part of development, they can also be a red flag, especially if they coincide with a traumatic incident such as abuse or neglect at a daycare or childcare center.

Our Texas daycare and childcare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm aim to help parents understand milestone regressions, how to differentiate typical developmental changes from signs of stress or trauma, and what to do if you suspect your child may be experiencing abuse or neglect at a local daycare or childcare facility.

What are Milestone Regressions?

When a child reverts to behaviors they previously outgrew, that is known as a milestone regression. While regressions are common during certain stages of development, they can also be a child’s way of internalizing trauma or expressing something is wrong.

What Are the Most Common Milestone Regressions That Indicate a Child Is Being Abused or Neglected at a Daycare Center?

Our team of daycare and childcare injury lawyers have seen firsthand how children experiencing abuse or neglect at a local facility most commonly regress in the following milestones:

• Eating: A child might refuse to eat, revert to being spoon-fed, or become extra picky about foods they used to enjoy.
• Potty Training: A child who has been potty-trained for months may begin having accidents during the day, wetting the bed at night, or asking to wear a diaper again.
• Speech: A child may revert to baby talk or develop a stutter, impacting their verbal skills. 
• Separation Anxiety: A once outgoing child may develop intense anxiety and grow clingy, anxious, or fearful of separating from their parents.
• Sleeping: A child with a regular sleep schedule may begin resisting bedtime or having nightmares or night terrors.

How Can I Tell If My Child’s Development Regression Is Normal?

As we shared earlier, some milestone regressions are to be expected, and behavior patterns change as a child continues to grow.

However, when these changes happen with the following, it may be linked to daycare abuse or neglect:

• Changes to a child’s self-esteem or confidence could be linked to emotional daycare abuse
• Infant-like behaviors such as thumb-sucking or excessive crying
• Mood swings outside of typical tantrums
• Sudden and severe regression
• Unexplained physical injuries such as bruises or scratches appearing on your child’s body

Our daycare and childcare injury lawyers recommend that parents observing milestone regressions speak to the child calmly during quiet time. Ask the child open-ended questions so he or she can feel safe to express themselves, even if an abusive caregiver at a daycare or childcare center instructed them not to tell anyone. Read this article for more tips on talking to your child about daycare or childcare abuse and neglect.

We also encourage parents to consult with a child’s pediatrician for guidance on what behavior changes are normal at each age and when to be concerned.

How Can The Button Law Firm Help If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Abused or Neglected at a Daycare or Child Care Center?

If your child is being abused or neglected at a daycare or childcare center anywhere in Texas, our team of experienced and compassionate daycare and childcare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm can help. We’re dedicated to advocating for you and your family. We are ready to listen and fight for your family to get justice and move forward. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.