Does anyone have any suggestions on how to cope with this? My one-year-old has taken to, purposefully, banging his head with his hands or other object when he is angry, being disciplined, or just doesn't get his way. I understand this is a form of him expressing his feelings, but it's hard not to react when he does this!
My son started doing this when he turned 2. He's 27 months now and it has slowed down quite a bit. We got to the point where we ignored him when he was doing it - that is unless he was going to bang his head against the concrete patio. He's since gotten bored since he doesn't get a big reaction from us anymore. It is hard not to react, I completely understand!
My younger sister did a form of this when she was younger. She used to bite her own hand really hard when she was angry. It would leave tooth marks on her skin. It was attention-seeking behavior and what she wanted was for you to get upset and try to stop her. It eventually stopped after we ignored it. I realize this is not very easy to do, but if you can, walk out of the room and leave them there to fit. Also, try rewarding with attention their better choices of appropriate behavior.
Good luck,
T.
My son is 10 years old, now. When he was that age, he banged his head on the floor for kicks. It freaked me out. He would kneel on the floor and bang his head, briefly cry when he hit it hard enough, then he would do it again. I asked my dr. at the time if there was SOMETHING wrong with him. And....his diagnosis.....just like you are saying.....self expression! Plus a little dare-devil - he'd do it until it hurt! At first, I would immediately stop him, but it gave him the startling reaction he was looking for. I tried distracting him, even saying, "OUCH" the floor is crying!" At some point, it really stopped. I have talked to other moms of boys (my daughter NEVER did this stuff!) and they had the same story. I CAN tell you your son is normal - time will cease this habit. Just stay on it and try different things - it is frustrating to watch, isn't it? Good luck!
Mine has been doing that since he turned one (6 months ago) and I'm dying to hear what people say!!!
I normally restrain him and tell him 'no thrashing' but it clearly isn't working.....
I hope you have better luck than I do!
