Head-Banging

[Ruthy100]

HELP! My 15 month old has started to bang his head on the floor/wall/chair - anything really! It started when he bumped his head, cried and then banged it again on purpose and he has now started to do it when frustrated or told "no". Anyone got any ideas for stopping it? Thanks!

Try to distract him with something else. Replace the head banging with clapping or jumping etc. Probably a crap idea and you've probably tried it. I just wanted to post back.

What about asking HV about it?

Have not tried distracting him, I have just watched open mouthed so far! Good idea. Will also talk to Health Visitor next week at the clinic. Thanks - when you see it for the first time you wonder what on eath is going on!!

Hope you get things sorted. It is a reallly dramatic thing to watch. But I'm sure he'll come out of it soon.

hi. I just posted on another thread. My 17 month old dd hits and slaps herself around the face and head. Its really frustrating as i dont know why she is doing it. Im hoping its just a phase.

it's all from frustration and being too little to understand their emotions. just try and get them to a soft surface if out, or pop them on a beanbag if at home. I spent20 minutes by the side of the road yesterday outside school laying dd on a grass verge whilst she went into one.

Thanks so much for your advice and reassurance. I am new to Mumsnet and it is great to hear from people who have had similar experiences - it all seems so much better now!! Probably if I relax about it it will go away in time. Thanks!