My 1.5 year old has started head-banging frequently when he's cross/ upset and I don't know what to do. The tantrum normally starts when I move him away from something he wants but can't have, either because it's unsafe, or because we're moving into a different activity.
Tonight, for example, we'd finished in the bath and I lifted him out and he dropped the shampoo bottle he was holding. As soon as I put him down, he was shrieking and went straight away to bang his head. When he does, it's usually against walls/doors/ hard surfaces. If it's a soft surface, like carpet, he'll deliberately move somewhere firmer.
It's horrible to watch and really upsetting - he's got bruises on his forehead from it. I try to distract him out of it, e.g. by reading a book or getting a toy, as I've read that you shouldn't rush over and make a fuss, as that will only reinforce the behaviour. But it's hard not to pick him up and place him somewhere away from walls etc as I don't want him getting hurt.
I'm sure it's through frustration about not being able to communicate. It's just goes from 0-100 and it's really upsetting me - nobody wants to see their child hurt themselves.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated and thanks for reading.