I have a 16 month old boy who until now I thought I was parenting well and had good behaviour. Over the last couple of weeks he has been hitting his head on the floor or whatever he can when he doesn't get his own way. This can be upto 10 times a day and leaves a red mark. I am absolutely lost at how to change this behaviour.
4 Replies
Initially I'd say put in place some harm minimisation by creating a safe zone. That could be a play pen with foam/rubber mats on the floor or a ports cot (as they have soft sides). When he doesn't get his way pop him in the port a cot so he can't hurt himself. That way you will be less likely to react to the behaviour by giving him lots of attention. He should over time get used to not getting his way if you don't give in and are consistent (I'd give it a month). But if it doesn't start to decrease then seek professional help. There is absolutely no shame or harm in seeking help from professionals for parenting/behaviour issues.
Mine did this too!! I spoke to the GP to find out what this could be doing to his head and the gp said, "don't let him near tiles". My whole house is tiled :-/
I wrote on here asking for advice too and most women said to ignore him and he will stop. As hard as it was that's what I did and he did stop!! Took a couple weeks though, and a couple of bruises on his forehead, strange looks from people who obviously thought I must hit my child in the head :-/
But ignoring really does work. He's now 19 months and "touch wood" he hasn't done it for a while. Now all he does is throw himself down and "cry". I say "cry" cos there isn't tears, just noise.. And I just walk away lol
You're most likely parenting greatly!! But tantrums, whether big or small, are just a learning mechanism for kids.. They have to learn that they don't always get their way and when they start to NOT get their way, because they can't verbally speak to you, they get angry and upset.
I really do hope he stops very soon cos it can be upsetting and frustrating. I know that all too well!!
Good luck mumma x
Kids really know how to get the best reaction don't they? :)
They certainly do haha
When I took my son for his 18 month needles, he had a HUGE bruise on his forehead. The doctor gave me 101 questions about it. I felt so embarrassed that someone would think I abuse my child. It really upset me. When I explained what he did (with the head banging) she laughed and said "I'm sorry I assumed wrong".