My daughter is 3 1/2 and I consider her very smart. She's been saying her ABC's in English and French since she was 18 months. You tell her a new story or song and she's got it memorized by the third time, she knows the Pledge of Allegiance...anyway. Lately, I don't know if she's just being stubborn or if she's truly forgotten, but the simple things she's known forever, she can't do, or won't do.  The ABC's counting to 10, its like she thinks about it she wants to but doesn't know where to start. I will hold up one finger and she's asks what is that number Mommy? I don't know if I should really be concerned and have her checked or if she's just starting to show her stubborn 3 year old side. Until now, she's been an angel and I have never had any problems with her counting or with the ABC's. Has anyone else gone through this?

My son started that about a month ago or so.  He doesn't say he's forgotten, but he'll just say no.  I figure it's just part of his independence. 

Although if you think she is truly forgetting and not just pulling your leg, then I would call the doctor.  Try to trick her into reciting some things on her own.  Maybe if it's part of a song or something then she won't feel like she's being tested.

Thank you so much for your reply, it always makes you feel better when you know you're child isn't the only one! I caught her in her room last night counting to her baby dolls and singing 1,2 buckle my shoe..., so I think like you said, she feels like she's being tested, put on the spot. As a Mom, I know you understand, you just can't help but be concerned! Again, thank you so much sweetheart! 

Yep, she's being stubborn.  Or maybe she's bored with it. 

We had a parent-teacher conference a few weeks ago and were told that Alex doesn't know his alphabet.  When they ask him, he says, "A B C D blah blah blah."  But he has totally known it for over a year. He's just messing with them.  When you're not paying attention, he sings it to himself!