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Behaviour/development

Self harm

6 replies

skidge · 22/09/2005 12:01

Hi. My toddler (age 2) has just started hurting himself on purpose if I do something, such as hoovering or washing up and momentarily do not pay him my undivided attention.
Just this week I have had deliberately hitting head on hard wood floor twice! Another time hands were hitting the radiator, little one said 'hurt hands Mama' I don't know why this behaviour has suddenly started and am not sure what to do. Does anyone have a toddler showing these traits at the moment?

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skidge · 22/09/2005 12:03

Hi. My toddler (age 2) has just started hurting himself on purpose if I do something, such as hoovering or washing up and momentarily do not pay him my undivided attention.
Just this week I have had deliberately hitting head on hard wood floor twice! Another time hands were hitting the radiator, little one said 'hurt hands Mama' I don't know why this behaviour has suddenly started and am not sure what to do. Does anyone have a toddler showing these traits at the moment?

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skidge · 22/09/2005 12:04

Sorry, didn't mean to post twice!

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WigWamBam · 22/09/2005 12:05

It's attention-seeking behaviour, and if you ignore it he will get fed up with it and stop. Attention and cuddles for this kind of behaviour will only encourage him to continue.

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Rhubarb · 22/09/2005 12:05

Mine is 20 months old, he bangs his head on things but I'm not sure that he realises the consequences of his actions, he also bites his fist, etc. It's a phase, once they realise that this behaviour hurts I'm sure it will stop (hope!). I sometimes fear that someone will report me as ds is always covered in bruises!

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skidge · 22/09/2005 12:11

Rhubarb, I know what you mean about the bruises. Isn't it embarrassing?
Thanks WigWamBam, will heed your advice

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WigWamBam · 22/09/2005 12:17

It's the fact that he's only doing it when you try to do something else that makes me think it's attention seeking. It sounds like he's worked out that if he hurts himself, you will come running, so thinks that if he does it deliberately, you'll stop what you're doing and pay him attention again. I really do think that once he realises you won't come if he does it on purpose, he'll stop. Very few children will hurt themselves on purpose.

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