Ask Dr. Hirsch: Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:

“Is this behavior normal, or should I be worried?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:

If you’ve ever found yourself searching “Is this normal?” after your child did something confusing or concerning, you’re not alone. One of the hardest parts of parenting is not knowing whether a behavior is a phase or something that needs attention.

The truth is that many behaviors that worry parents are completely normal parts of development. Children grow in bursts, not straight lines, and those growth spurts often come with big emotions and shifting behavior.

Let’s look at some common phases.

Infants: Clingy and hard to put down

Around 6 to 9 months, many babies develop separation anxiety. This is a healthy sign of attachment and brain development. Your baby understands you exist even when out of sight and prefers you close.

Check in if your baby avoids eye contact, does not respond to voices, or shows little interest in people.

Toddlers: Tantrums and “No”

Tantrums, defiance, and sudden mood swings peak between ages 1 and 3. Toddlers have strong feelings and limited language. This is about learning independence, not misbehavior.

Seek guidance if tantrums are extremely frequent, violent, very prolonged, or rarely improve with support.

Preschoolers: Fears and regression

Imagination grows quickly at this age. New fears, nightmares, and temporary regression can appear during developmental leaps or stress.

It is worth discussing if fears prevent daily activities or persist without improvement.

School-aged children: Worries and physical complaints

As awareness increases, worries about school and friendships become more common. Anxiety often shows up as stomachaches or headaches rather than words.

Talk to your pediatrician if anxiety interferes with school, sleep, or social life.

Tweens and teens: Moodiness and distance

Adolescence brings independence, privacy, and emotional ups and downs. Pulling away somewhat is expected.

Check in if your teen withdraws completely, loses interest in activities, has major sleep or appetite changes, or expresses hopelessness.

General red flags at any age

Loss of skills, extreme behavior changes, worsening patterns, or developmental delays deserve attention. And if something feels off, trust your instincts.

Bottom line

Most developmental phases pass with time, patience, and consistency. You do not need to panic at every shift. When you are unsure, your pediatrician can help you sort out what is typical, what is temporary, and what needs closer evaluation.

You are not overthinking. You are parenting.

 Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.

Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A