My friend has a 16 month old son, and when he is mad, he thrashes his head and bangs it against whatever is near him (table, wall, etc.). Ok, so I can understand that, he is mad and having a fit. But he bangs his head when he is not mad too. Like we will be in the car, and he will be looking out the window, banging his head on the back of the car seat. We will be in the house, and he will be sitting on the couch playing with a toy, and he will bang his head against the back of the couch. He will be sitting in someone's lap, and he will bang his head against their chin, shoulder, whatever. He is not mentally challenged or have any medical condition why he would do this. He is a normal 16 month boy, smart as a whip too. Why does he bang his head like that? Anyone know?
2006-10-07 14:03:38 · 13 answers · asked by haylsin 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Head banging, head rolling, and body rocking are all common rhythmic habits (as is thumb sucking). Many theories have been put forward to explain them. Perhaps the rocking and even the head banging provide a form of pleasure related to the movement. This joy in movement is called our kinesthetic drive.
All infants are rocked by their mothers when they are carried about in utero. Later on, they enjoy being held and rocked in parents' arms. Movement activities continue as kids grow: the pleasure of jump rope, swings, slides, amusement park rides (bumper cars!) and dancing. These activities all engage the vestibular system of the brain. The amount and type of movement that provides pleasure varies from child to child.
2006-10-07 14:08:10 · answer #1 · answered by 1Tourniquet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son did that for a VERY short amount of time. Probably right around that age too. He used to bang it off the floor however. One time he whacked it pretty good and that was the end of it. My son was and still is as smart as a whip...I think it was just a way for him to get attention, and this sounds to me like what your son is doing. Give him some time, and if he doesnt stop and it really bothers you then talk to the doctor!! Hope all goes well.
2006-10-07 21:18:30 · answer #2 · answered by coolgirl202 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal. Head-banging is stimulating and some studies have even shown that toddlers who are head bangers are more intelligent, on average, than non-head bangers! It's generally a phase that they grow out of once they acquire the verbal skills and emotional capacity to express themselves through words.
(Of course, head banging can also be a sign of sensory issues or developmental/neurological problems, but there would be a host of other signs, too.)
2006-10-07 21:27:48 · answer #3 · answered by peregrine1123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually attention. But he might just like the feeling of his head banging against something. Have they checked him for headaches? Its very possible that he has headaches and is banging his head against something to relieve the pressure.
2006-10-07 21:06:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to go with the headache theory, especially if he has a sinus/ear infection. Ear and sinus infection aren't always followed by a fever. Your friend should take her son in to have his sinuses and ears checked as well as tell the doctor about his head banging (then again he may be into heavy metal music?)
2006-10-08 00:19:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say "he is not mentally challenged or have any medical conditon...". Have your friend taken him to see medical professionals. Now I am not saying he is retarded or has medical problems but as a teacher who sees hundreds of disturbed elementary school kids each year, he should be checked out first.
You need to eliminate the medical 'possibility' first. If that turns out not to be the case then the mom needs to deal with the fact that he is seeking attention in the wrong way and that means she is lacking in some parenting skill.
Most areas have a family intervention program to deal with disturbed parent/toddler relationships. Have her contact her county health department for help.
This is especially important because young children can cause there own brain or neck injuries with this kind of behavior and it can lead to disabilities or, in rare cases, death.
2006-10-08 10:26:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
headbanging can be a form of attention,you say he's smart but at that age it's really hard to tell,I would have him checked for autism unless there are no other signs,which usally include lack of intrest towrd toys or people and verbal difficultys.just a sugestion,if he is fine otherwise he is probably like I said wanting some extra attention.
2006-10-08 10:42:09 · answer #7 · answered by ///\oo/\\\ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. he's just curious and likes the feeling of his head on different surfaces
2. he has some headaches and tries to relieve it by banging his head
3. he enjoys the rhythm of banging his head
4. he wants people to notice him more
doesn't seem like something very worrisome but if you don't feel right get your friend to seek professional advice.
2006-10-07 21:16:35 · answer #8 · answered by idiotte 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because he can that's all. No rhyme or reason to it just because he can. He is exploring what he can do physically just wait he'll learn once he get hurt, and if not then he will sooner or later.
2006-10-07 21:06:59 · answer #9 · answered by medevilqueen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they do it for attention when they feel like they are being neglected. Sometimes the grow out of it....
2006-10-07 21:15:26 · answer #10 · answered by tutsie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋