Can She Be OCD

I think it's completely normal for toddlers to express their need to control their own environment in ways that might seem a little obsessive. I know of many kids, my own included, who do things like line up their toys a certain way or who freak out if their hands are dirty. They are learning that they can make decisions about their own world, and exercising that power (which I think is perfectly healthy). My oldest is a "clean bean" - she hates to get dirty. Her little sister, however, has shown her that sitting in mud puddles can be a lot of fun... I think this is a good balance for her.

Anyway, you might want to think of ways to let your little one have more control in her own life. Give her choices and decisions (ask yourself, "why not?") and see if that helps her feel more secure and empowered.

I bet you are right...she is just picky.
I would slowly alter the way she likes a thing or two, just to get her to learn how to accept the small changes...it may take 3 or 4 days for her to adjust to it.
Sound similar to the way my son was when he was about age 3-4; if he got even a small spot on his clothes, you would have thought it was the end of the world.
Hope this helps!
~K.

I would be concerned if she continues to react that way to getting dirty or becomes more particular. She may grow out of it. If she doesn't and has trouble socializing with peers, I would bring it up to the doctor.

My daughter has similar signs too. Toys have to be sorted/lined up just right. Cups have to be set on the table so the spout is facing outward. As a baby, she hated to have dirty hands. She notices details on everything. But my husband is the same "mr. organized", so it must be inherited. She does seem to go through phases, where this kind of stuff seems more important to her and the other times, she doesn't seem to notice. Between the 2 of them I just usually go with the flow...

I'm not a mental health professional, but if your young one is a bit OCD, the good news is that she is young enough to deal with it easily.
Might want to get a recommendation from your pediatrician for some behavioral testing and counciling. I'm convinced that these early years shape our little ones for life and this is our one shot at getting it right.
Good luck!
C. S.

My suggestion is that unless it becomes extreme, don't worry about it. If you do take her to a psych. they might diagnose her with something she will be labeled with the rest of her life... or they might tell you there's nothing to worry about and ease your mind. If they try to put her on meds. be very careful... I hear scare stories about children dying from psychotrophic drugs. Some psychs argue that children don't need meds because a real diagnosis shouldn't be made until they reach adulthood.