Why does my 3 year old punch and bite himself when he's upset?

[Wintersun]

Its really upsetting me.
I've posted before about ds1 being quite an emotional and shy child and maybe, oversensitive.
Recently, he's started punching himself in the head as hard as he can if he gets upset and says things like 'I'm rubbish,I'm yucky'

He did it this morning when he had to go to the nursery. He hates actually going but does enjoy it there and is happy enough. He has a group of friends and is always chatting about them. I've spied on him too and he's totally fine.

This morning, he was like a crazy child. I ended up grabbing him and placing him on the bed and shouted at him to stop it (after the gentle approach didn't work)

Anyone have any experience of this?

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

It could be that he has worked out that this really upsets you and that he gets masses of attention when he does this.

It is really hard to do but try ignoring him when he does this - walk away, make a cup of tea, read the paper. (Or at least pretend to)

When the tantrum is over then resume normality. Try to crank up the attention that you are giving to him, at other times; try to catch him bring 'good', loads of praise (this may feel over the top at first) and remember above all that 'this too shall pass'.
Good luck

[jack99]

My 7 year old ds still does this when he gets upset - I find it really scary and am worried that he isn't growing out of it.

[Wintersun]

Sorry to hear that jack99.

Thankfully, he doesn't do it very often.

You may be right Boysarelikedogs. I've done the walking away but then he starts to throw things around the room so I end up shouting at him.

Thats probably more attention seeking, then.