Is this suicidal behavior?

Question

2 year old hits himself in the face with whatever he has in his hand when he doesn't get what he wants.Sometimes it makes cuts and scars when he hits himself.This has just started a couple of days ago.I was wondering if they have professional help for kids this young or if he even needs help.

Answer 1

It could be his way of trying to get attention and for you to give him what he wants. Do you give in when he starts this? This could also be a sensory issue... he hasn't learned how to regulate his feelings yet (he IS two!). Perhaps this is his way of venting his frustration at not being able to do/have what he wants. Either way, you will only perpetuate the cycle by giving in and giving him his way when he acts like this. When he starts, remove objects near him that could be used against himself, and walk out of view. If he follows you, he is doing it for attention. If this happens, do not give eye contact while he is acting out for attention, no facial expressions at all to indicate that you even notice him in the room. When he calms down, even for a second, say "Good quiet. What did you need?" Toddlers get overly frustrated because they can't articulate what they want to say, and because they can't modulate their feelings into "acceptable" forms of behavior yet. Sometimes, making simple face cards with expressions such as mad, happy, scared, angry, sad, surprised, etc. can help. Show him the cards, and ask how he is feeling. This can help him to discriminate between feelings, and to be able to express to you how he is feeling. Another question... does he notice the pain from the cuts, or does he just seem to be undersensitive to it (and any other boo-boos)? This may be something you want to discuss with your child's pediatrician, since undersensitivity to pain can be a real sensory issue for some children.

Answer 2

Professional help? Not yet. Not unless you suspect a serious underlying cause, such as abuse or a family history of mental issues.

Suicidal? NO! At 2 years old, he doesn't even know what death is, much less the difference between life and death.

He is frustrated and has no other way of expressing himself. He understands countless words, but can't use them. Next time he starts hitting himself in the face, calmly take the object away, tell him "I know you are frustrated. Hitting yourself is not the answer. I love you.", and then give him a hug. A lot of times, children don't know what they're feeling and it scares them. If you give his emotion a name and let him know you understand, he will calm down because he now feels more secure.

Good luck and hang in there.

Answer 3

I have read everyone's answer so far and I must agree that all of the responses make sense, however, since he can hurt himself, make sure he cannot get any hard; or heavy; or sharp objects, or you may lose your child permanently.

It is wise to seek some kind of professional help because you don't seem to know what is causing this behavior.

Someone wrote that you should turn the TV off. Is it possible he saw this being done on TV? You know everything goes today. It's alright to show violence or sex at the very time little children are watching. You have to take care of your child and not allow anyone else to influence his behavior.

Sometimes when they are left with sitters (of any kind) they experience odd behavior or are treated unkindly and, being little babes, so-to-speak, they reveal their pain in strange ways that make you crazy. Since they cannot stop the 'abuse' (I am not saying that this is happening - merely making a reference), they 'cry out' by demonstrating such behavior patterns.

If it is taken care of now, you should not have to worry later on about violent attacks on himself or another person.

Please check it out!

Answer 4

My 2 year old has been doing this and similar behavior since she was 11 months old. She will also throw herself on the floor and pound her head on things. According to my pediatricia, child psycholigist and a county psychiatrist (referred to by CPS when someone assumed the bruises means I was beating her and call the authorities) all of these 'professionals' told me that she is doing it our of frustration. Frustration that maybe we don't understand the point the child is trying to get across to us, or frustration that they are not getting their way. To a large degree it is because they are not getting their way and they know that they will get a reaction out of parents if they act this way. Kids are a lot smarter and more manipulative that most people believe. Most kids will not benefit from therapy till after the age of 3 when they can better communicate their problems but it would not hurt to have a pediatrician or child psychologist aware of the problem and able to back you up if someone makes assumptions and call the authorities instead of asking questions.
Good luck!

Answer 5

What means of discipline are being used in the home? Is he ignored by someone or needing attention from someone in particular and not recieving enough? Sounds like he's acting out for some reason. Could just be a rough and tumble little boy though- who knows?? You may want to call a pediatrician and ask if there's anyone they know of- or if they even think that you need help.

Answer 6

Hi, I'm a mother of two boys. This is how your child is letting out his anger when he can't get what he wants. And most likely you probably give in to him when he does that. And if you are, he will continue to do it because he realizes that it works. Explain to your child that, that is a no, no. Do not give in to him. As soon as you see him start hitting himself you stop him and talk to him. If the problem gets worse and you would like to seek professional help there are parent and child counselors that you can see to try to help your child deal with his anger in a different way. Just be patient with him. Hope things work out.

Answer 7

I think it is more attention getting behavior ~ trying to get what he wants and seeing if his parents will give in to his behavior. Just take whatever he has in his hand away and tell him NO do not do that. Then give him a time out. It may take some time, but I would try this first before I took my two year old to some quack that had him on medication that could potentially be harmful.

Answer 8

its normal for 2 year olds to strike out when they don't get what they want. Often they hurt themselves bacause they know their demands are unwanted by you. First of all, keep telling him hitting is not an option in your house.then, limit his choices to 2 or 3 instead of multiple ones. There will be less confusion, and less violence. eg. ask if he wants apple or orange juice, then have both available, so that he doesn't have to choose. or ask if he wants to play in the park first or go to the mall first, ensuring him that he will indeed do both. Let him choose between 2 or 3 shirts instead of just putting him in your choice.. When he does things you don't approve of, don't chastise him just let him help in remedying the situation. Eg. if he writes on the wall, tell him it is a very pretty picture, but in your house we only draw on paper, and let him help you clean up the mess. In fact, you can let him choose between rational and silly choices like getting undressed first, or taking a bath first. Then let him bathe fully dressed, laughing at his choice with him. It may take a few weeks, but it should make for a happier child.

Answer 9

HANG IN THERE...My little brother is 15 now (i'm 24), but he used to do anything from banging his head on the (hard wood!!) floor, and walls, to hitting himself REALLY hard in the face with ALL sorts of things. Yes, he'd cut himself, and bruise himself with this behavior....BUT....it really is just to get attention. But not because he's a brat, or selfish...he's 2 and little children are EXTREMELY sensitive to your feelings, moods, and are very aware if time spent with them is lacking. This said...he also may be used to having ANYTHING he's wanted (he's only 2, how can you really spoil a child that's only 2...but I think it natural and most kids reach that point...and that's when you HAVE to lay down some laws, and STICK to them FIRMLY.) You are the adult, and are in control. I always set my little girl down and tell her what she did wrong, and what her discipline will be BECAUSE of her behavoir. It hurts to put them in time out, or take away treat or snack time, or make them lay down for a nap early...but that's the most effective way to let your child know you love him, but won't tolerate his behavior. On your question about suicide....he's 2. He has no comprehension about those kinds of things. He doesn't even realize the meaning of life, yet....just be patient and most of all, LOVING, and cherish him every second your with him, AND of course, be fair but firm....GOOD LUCK!


WAIT!!....I've read the other answers now, and I STRONGLY oppose counseling. If you do your job to the BEST of your ability....90% of the time...everything will be okay. By taking him to freaking doctor at TWO YEARS OLD....what is that going to do to his psyche when he's able to understand WHY he's going....he's TWO!!!??? The world is LAZY....instead of doing THEIR jobs as parents, teachers, & adults in general....they want to send their child off to a shrink (or counseling, or meetings etc etc etc) for ANY reason. Its absolutely ABSURD!!

Answer 10

In my opinion this is a sign of aggressive behavior and they do have child psychologist that can help if their behavior continues. Sometimes it can be just a phase they are going through since you said it just started a few days ago but keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't severly hurt himself.