Hi IM sisterhood, after some advice please, y 3yo son seems to have some sort of "chocking obsession" he has had it explained to him many many times about not putting things around his neck but he just doesn't stop. He seems to understand and is a bright boy but it is getting worse. I just left him and his brother alone for literately 30 seconds for a loo run, when I returned he had pulled the vacuum cleaner cord out and tied it around his 1yo brothers neck, I nearly died!! another big talk about it which lead to a tantrum and me sending him to his room, where I have just found a teddy with a draw string (pullout out of the hood piece of his dad hooded jacket) tied around the teddies neck. I even had to remove his blind from his room as he would climb, navigate the "child safety" mechanism for the cord and wrap that around his neck. I don't know where he has seen this or if he has, I can't imagine what show he could of seen it on and he wont divulge any further info - Obviously major overall of toddler proofing required but I am starting to get very concerned :(
2 Replies
Generally Three year olds don't understand choking. They do understand imaginary play using random equipment as ties, necklaces, dog leads and collars, scarfs etc. Do you have a pet dog??? Or does he have an interest in dogs? It's very common hence the warnings on toys with strings, blinds etc.
I think you are going to have supervise the shit out of him (take him to the loo with you etc) until you are 120% sure you have everything locked away that could possibly be used.
Talk to your GP about a paediatrician/ psychologist but that is all going to take time.
Yes three year olds can learn but they don't have the impulse control and forethought to truly understand what the consequences could be. So he must be supervised.
I just want to add if he has accidentally choked himself, and gotten a high (got light headed) which can be quite enjoyable that could be enough for him to want to repeat the behaviour to seek the high.