Hi moms,
I'm growing very concerned about my 15-month old daughter. When she gets frustrated or angry, she is prone to the usual crying tantrums. But within the last week, this has developed into her hitting herself in the head (temple area) with her fist and, worse, biting herself on the hands. Today I noticed small red dots all over her hands where she has bitten herself. The bites don't break the skin, but they do leave red marks. My older daughter never did anything like this. Has anyone experienced this before and, if so, what course of action did you take? Many thanks!
I would not look too much into this unles she is physically hurting herself. This may just be a way she releases her energy whenever she gets angy or tired or whatever! Don't worry . . . it's probablly just a phase where like others, it too shall pass!!! Good Luck!
My daughter did something very similar to this at the same age. She was slightly delayed verbally (but at 2.5 she is now talking up a storm) and I noticed she would bite her hand when she was frustrated. But the more I called attention to the biting, the more she would do it. I'm sure she used it as a way to get my attention. As her verbal skills improved, the biting subsided. Hang in there - I'm sure it's just a phase!
My daugher (21 months now) did and still sometimes does this. She is and was very verbal, so no delays there. She just gets frustrated easily and does not know how to expres sit. She does not hurt herself, but she noticed that it shocked and aggravated me to no end. Ignoring it and redirecting her helped. I acknowledged her frustration and showed her appropriate things that she could hit or bite. I see you are mad, you can bite your blankie, but not your hand or people. Here, hit the chair when you are frustrated. It seemed to work, but the real motivation behind it was my reaction. Good luck - this too shall pass.
hi J.,
I know that it is very frustrating to watch your child go through this. I think that it is just away to express herself. Is she very verbal?? Many children who can not verbally express their needs do hit, and bite themselves. I would monitor this and give her words, and talk her through the fits. It does work, I have a son who is verbally delayed and he is now three and we still go through this and it is almost always he just can't get the words out.
Keep up the good work!
