4yo DS pulling out hair

[MadButMeansWell]

He's always been on the shy/ sensitive side (also have DD 2 1/2 yo) he has had hearing problems and delayed speech- although now caught up. Started p/t nursery 2 yrs ago- been up and down- sometimes teary/clingy sometimes likes it. Usually ok when there. Went through a phase for about last 6 weeks crying going in. Has coincided with stress @ home- self employed partner facing bankruptcy I am full time student. We have tried not to row in front kids but there have been a couple and I've cried quite a few times in front of them Now this. Went to GP who said to wait and see if it gets better. I feel likes its all my fault as home life has been stressful. Whats even worse is the more I try to make home life chilled out the worse I seem to get upset when something goes wrong . Anyone's DC had similar? ANy tips on how to help him stop??

bumping for you as i don't know the answer.

I'd maybe think about focussing on making him feel secure in general, lots of time, cuddles. You can't make life perfect, and you'll go nuts if you try.

Maybe talk to him at bedtime about all the good things that have happened that day. i like to do that with my DS to relect on all his good behaviour and achievements (nursery said you did good tidying today. i thought you did a very good picture, you were good eating your dinner etc etc). He loves it and I think that it means he learns to relax at night thinking about the positives.

i've cried in front of Ds. i tell him the truth, it's because i'm sad. i relate it to times he's been sad, and explain that he's happy again now and soon i will be too.

i don't have any experience of the hair thing saw an episode of supernanny where she saw that the hair thing was connected to other habit (in that case dummy) can you see when he does it and find a way to break the link?

hope someone with proper advice, not ripped off the telly comes along soon :)

cheers

I think your GP has fobbed you off to be honest. Wait for how long? I would perhaps go back no later than a week. However, children are very sensitive, and maybe he is picking up on your distress. I hasten to add- this is not your fault. You can try and be as calm as you like, but this is real life and stuff happens! Perhaps you could try some counselling for yourself to get some coping mechanisms in place (healthy ones) which would mean you'd be better able to deal with stress at home, and help him with how he's feeling. I don't have any tips on how to help him stop, but I would say for the time being, try not to make a big deal out of it if you see him doing it, just absent mindedly move his hand, like you'd pick a crumb off his t-shirt? I'm no expert, but if you google trichotillomania, then you might find a decent site.

That's really helpful- thanks- I didn't even know it had a name. I think I will go back to the GP quite soon if things don't improve. Also have thought myself that conselling might be a good idea because things will still be stressful for a while. Thanks hun .