AboutJames Windell Expertise I can answer questions related to normal child development, disturbed behavior and how to provide appropriate guidance and discipline.
Experience I've been a clinical psychologist in a juvenile court, worked in school settings, been a child psychotherapist in a private psychiatric clinic and consulted with schools, courts, hospitals and daycare centers.
Organizations American Psychological Association
Michigan Psychological Association
Publications I have been a columnist with the Oakland Press (Oakland County, MI) for 21 years writing a weekly column called Coping With Kids, which is also published weekly in the Staten Island Advance. I have been a mental health columnist with the Detroit Free Press and a columnist for Working Mother Magazine. In addition, I have published articles in professional journals. I have published 12 books, among them are "8 Weeks to a Well-Behaved Child" (IDG Books), "Discipline: A Sourcebook of 50 Failsafe Techniques for Parents" (IDG Books); "Children Who Say No When You Want Them to Say Yes" (IDG Books), "What You Need to Know About Ritalin" (Bantam Books) and "6 Steps to an Emotionally Intelligent Teenagers" (John Wiley & Sons). My latest two books, both published in 2006 are "The Fatherstyle Advantage" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) and "Defusing High Conflict Divorce" (Impact Publishers). Articles about my work with parents has appeared in the New York Times, the Chicago Sun Times, the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press.
My website at Jameswindell.com includes more information about me, my books and includes many columns I've written.
Education/Credentials B.A. in Psychology from Wayne State University
M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Oakland University
Awards and Honors Best Educational Program by Juvenile and Family Court Judges Association (National award for the development of a parent training program for parents of delinquent teenagers. Beth Clark Service Award from the Michigan Psychological Association.
Expert: James Windell Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: OCD in 4 year old
Question My 4 year old son has been obsessed with vacuum cleaners ever since he could walk. He loves then!! When we are at a restaurant,grocery store,gas station pretty much any where he will ask anybody if they have a vacuum,what color it is,where it is,what color the cord is,what color the switch for it is and on and on! I was hoping he would grow out of the obsession over then but has not. I have to admit that it is sometimes embarrassing. My question is this....Should I have him evaluated by a specialist?Is there anyone else dealing with this?
Answer Hello Destiny,
You're certainly not the only parent dealing with obsessive behavior in young children.
However, before I make a suggestion, I need a little more information:
1. Does he have other obsessive-complusive behaviors? Or is it only related to vacuums?
2. Does he attend a preschool or daycare center? If so, what do they say about him in general?
3. What other interests does he have?
4. What does he like to play? Does he play with other children?
5. How loving and affectionate is he with other members of the family?
6. How is his speech and language development?
Please answer these questions and then I can say whether I think an evaluation is needed.
best,
James Windell
