3 year old has started hitting himself

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Hi everyone,

My 3 year old has recently started hitting himself, when angry or frustrated or when we tell him off, he will slap his face repeatedly.

Is this normal? How do I help him stop?

thank you

No, it's not normal. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and note whether or not your 3-year-old has been exposed to someone who does this to vent their anger or frustration to regain control.

My 2.5 year old occasionally does it, but only when I tell him off for hurting/ being too rough with somebody else (usually his little brother). He will say ‘I hurt myself’ while doing it and it’s my queue to give him a big cuddle and say nooo, I don’t want you to be hurt either. It’s definately not all the time and I can’t actually remember the last time he did it.

I don’t think it’s necessary a worry, it may be sensory, but maybe worth mentioning to the health visitor as I’m no expert!

Sounds hard 💕

My dd did this for a little while at 2 and it broke my heart to see.

Have you given your child other things to do when angry. Eg tools to manage emotions

Breath in, big breath out
Counting
Walking away