2 and a half year old head banging

[mompa]

Hi there. I wonder if anyone can help please.
My DS bangs his head sometimes against floor, sofa etc. I think it's out of frustration at being unable to communicate. He only uses a few works still and am on waiting list for speech therapy. Do any other mums have experience of this and late talkers? Is it related? Many thanks to anyone who can offer advice.

Hi, Sorry this is stressing you, I know how you feel! My first son (who did'nt say a word untill well after 2) did this & I thought it was because he could'nt communicate but now i'm not so sure as my other son who is just two also does it & he can speak well. I think it is quite common with boys & anything sets my son off...being tired,another child taking a toy from him, not being allowed to play with plug sockets etc! He always has a bruised head & does it on any surface regardless of the damage it causes ( to his head & the wall !)
All I can say is they do grow out of it & are unlikley to harm themselves.
Good luck.

Thanks so much 3sweetpeas. Glad I'm not alone with this

Yep! my DS (2.7) sometimes does it against the wall, or any furniture, in his bed - especially after being told 'NO!', He has been doing it for almost a year now and I was worried about his head, but dr doesn't think there's a problem. He is slightly behind in speech, but can communicate well so I don't think it's due to frustration! If he is doing it repetitively, distraction is a good technique. Hope he grows out of it soon! All the best.

My very articulate DS did this on and off up to a few months ago and now he is turning 3 he has changed it to hitting himself in the sides of his head when he is frustrated.

on the positive side, when he is angry he doesn't physically lash out at other kids. I see it as a little bit of self control.

I wouldn't be too worried. I found that he spookily avoided head-banging against concrete and really hard surfaces and opt for noisier surfaces like wooden or plasterboard walls or carpeted areas!

Whatever you do don't give it any attention or it will reinforce the behavior.

Yep 2.3 dd does this normally when she has thrown herself on the floor in a fit of rage. oh and sometimes she slaps herself with both hands on her face.