hairpulling for comfort

[NoodleFace]

Please give me ways to stop. DS is 2.6 and for as long as I can remember pulled bits of my hair for comfort, mainly when he is asleep or going.

ITS DRIVING ME NUTS

Have tried moving arms, when told loudly to put his arms down he does but as soon as he drifts off again he does it again.

He also picks hair from anywhere and almost brushes it through his mouth when fully awake almost half hypnotic. He laughs and says he wasn't when asked to stop.

I don't think he realises its happening, its habbit now, it's ruining sleepy times like story time and cuddles because I'm constantly telling him to stop

Please give me any advice!!!!

[MrsTawdry]

Are you lying down with him at bedtime till he goes to sleep? If so...unless you're happy to do this...I'd begin to stop it and work towards putting him down to go to sleep alone.

Is he sensory seeking with any other objects or matter? It's usual for many dc....to feel things...maybe you could give him a silk cloth to hold.

[NoodleFace]

No not lying down, for instance he was sleepy while out and I was carrying him during day and he can start it then. Same if watching tv he was reach across and get my baby hair bits.

Normal routine is story then into cot kiss goodnight and walk away, my OH Gets up for work and will wake him 5ish so he has always come into my bed at that point and it starts. He will not settle in his own room at that time and I value the extra hours so have always put up with it.

[NoodleFace]

Tried bunny and blankets but it's like he enjoys rubbing his fingers through it and it all knotted around them. Also enjoys licking my hair when he is sleepy on my shoulders [hmm

Maybe I should try an equivalent to the stop biting nails ans rub it on my hair haha

He has a great well balanced diet so also don't think it's hunger or deficiency

[MrsTawdry]

What about sticking it all under a hat when you're about to sit with him quietly? You can have a special "chill out hat"

[NoodleFace]

I can toyed with the idea of chopping it all off, but can't take the plunge because I don't think I will suit it

Thanks for the replys, it's going to have to be a swimming cap or similar, I just want him to grow out of it!!

[NoodleFace]

have

[bluevanman]

I don't understand it but I do this sometimes. Usually when under pressure or bit stressed or similar. It's an unconscious thing, I pull it and stroke the bottom of my lip for comfort(!?)

www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichotillomania/Pages/introduction.aspx

[NoodleFace]

Thanks blue I have seen that but it's never with his own hair, or any other traits of trich, I suppose a trip to the doctor wouldn't do any harm

Thanks for the replies!

[bluevanman]

Sorry OP I missed the word "my" and only skimmed PPs for mentions of Trics.
Good luck

[Quodlibet]

My 1yo also does this, when feeding or if attempting to cosleep she will pull my hair to brush it on her face. She seems to get the same kind of hypnotic pleasure from it. I tie it up when I can but it drives me mental too.

If she's not doing that she's singing or groaning to herself when dropping off to sleep, as if she needs to hear a repetitive noise - is that sensory seeking too?