Head banging

[mumofpoppet]

When our 18mo gets angry or frustrated, he deliberately bangs his head. He puts his hands against the wall/floor and thumps his head against it. He's even done it against the outside wall (ouch!). We stop him straightaway but it is very distressing and worrying for us and probably painful for him. Has anyone had the same thing? Is this normal?

Hi mumofpoppet, Yes I am going through the same thing with my 2.6 DS also when he is tired angry or frustrated. He has even bruised himself doing it - very upsetting so I know how you feel! Am told this is common especially in boys and a phase that will pass

Thanks mompa, that's reassuring to know it's a phase. I was hoping that it was. Sorry to hear your DS is bruising himself.

I saw an episode of the Baby Whisperer once and she was with a wee boy who did this.She gave him a bean bag,and when he "lost it" he was placed on the bean bag. Like the naughty step,he had to be put back on it when he got off etc.After a few days,he was going to the bean bag himself when he was upset. He was sort of put on the bean bag lying face down,Iykwim,and so he couldn't hurt himself banging his head.Seemed to help.

Thanks woopsidaisy, that's interesting. Do you know how old he was?

I wouldn't worry. I used to do this when I was 6! It probably freaked my mum out, but it's just what I did. I didn't have any other problems.

my 16 m.o.DS is doing the same thing, not sever banging but still. Started doing it few months back. I just tell him no or change the subject. he loves cars, so I pick him up, go outside and he looks at our cars. Maybe not the best solution but as he is still little, I will wait to explain it properly till he is a bit older. Although I did try explaining it to him. You 'll be surprised to see how much these little ones actually understand!

I try to stop him as quickly as possible and tell him not to do it or he'll hurt himself. And then I try and distract him. Sometimes he bangs his head against me if he's in my arms which is painful if he catches a cheekbone!

I'm having same with my 13 month old head butting everything inclueing me made my mouth bleed other day.i hope its just a stage his going tho.

steph35 it's grim isn't it. I'm sure he's going to break my nose one of these days! We try telling him no but sometimes he laughs and carries on - thinks it's a game esp when he's headbanging us. Wonder if it's best to ignore it or try time out?