15 month old is smacking himself

[lotuseener]

My ds has recenty started smacking himself in the face when he is upset/frustrated/overly tired.

It is so very upsetting to see him smack himself and I can't figure out why or where he would learn to do this.

Has anyone had a similar experiences? Is this something I should see my gp/hv about?

Hi loutseener. My 15 month old does the same. I think it's a physical reaction to the emotions and although it's hard, I think the best thing to do is not take much notice. You could say "Oh, I see you're upset/frustated/tired, why don't we..." but try not to react to the smacking or he might start doing it more to get your reaction. DS has started smacking me in the face when he's really frustated and it bloomin hurts so I hope they stop soon

Thanks, SmudgeyDoodle. DS smacks me in the face, too. I forgot to add that. It does hurt! I think you are right about not reacting to him smacking himself. It is just so upsetting to see!

I have been thinking about posting about the same thing. My ds is also 15 months and for the last 4 - 6 weeks has been using the back of his hand to hit against his mouth and making a noise - if I say sort of like pretending to be a red indian will you know what I mean?!! My dad taught him to do it ages ago but he now mostly does it when he's angry, and sometimes alternates this with squeezing his hand.
its like he is either trying to tell me he's angry or frustrated, or he's trying to calm himself down. Usually happens when he's getting annoyed with one of his toys or I won't let him do something.
I've just been acknowledging (sp!) he's angry / upset and distracting him with another toy or just ignoring the behaviour. I've been worried he's going to grow up with a bad temper, but hopefully its just a phase / they're learning how to cope with emotions

dd2 does this. headbuts the wooden floor in a rage to. she's 16 mths, am assuming it will pass and trying not to worry about it. she's unlikely to be doing it at 12

DD was / is the same. I posted about it I think! She is now 20m and has pretty much grown out of it. She still hits me and DP if she is tired and cross.

too

Yap dd also the same at that age, shes now nearly 2 and doesn't do it anymore. It's hard at this age cos' they really don't know what's going on either. Distract and ignore !!!!