How can I get my 4 yr old to stop banging his head at night when he goes to sleep?

Question

My son has been banging his head to get to sleep at night since he was 2 and I want to know what I can do to change it.

Answer 1

Try doing some deep pressure massage. The root of head-banging is usually sensory-seeking behavior. That means that for some reason he is having a difficult time processing sensory input from his brain to his body. He has been doing this since he was two? This is not normal behavior, and you should talk to your child's pediatrician about it. Anyway, at night before bed, try pressing firmly (but not painfully, like a massage) up and down his legs. Do this for at least 5 minutes. During the daytime, you can have him do some "pressure" activities to help his body regulate incoming sensory information:
playing tug-of-war, pulling or pushing a wagon that is weighted, kicking, carrying heavy items, pounding/rolling playdough, jumping on a trampoline, batting balls, hanging from a bar, or climbing up and down stairs. You should also consider getting an evaluation from your local school district for sensory integration problems... it is free, and they may be able to refer you to an occupational therapist who may be able to give your child a comprehensive sensory evaluation. Good luck!

Answer 2

There is nothing absolutely you can do. What you SHOULD do it try to get him to understand there's nothing wrong with banging his head at night, that he shouldn't worry about it, that it doesn't bother you at all because you love him all the same, etc. You MUST reassure your child of your unending love and you must try to make him understand there's nothing wrong with him that will make you stop loving him or abandoning him. Another thing you can do is cushion the place where he sleeps so he doesn't hurt himself. It is very probable that he will grow out of it because I have never in my life heard of an adult that bangs his head at night when he goes to sleep.

Answer 3

One thing you might be able to do is the start him on a new trail of thinking...change his focus...like prior to going to bed tell him this:

Hey, let's start out this new year with something new...let's try to make up our own style of getting to sleep...you say one..and I say two...you say three...and I'll say "I love you." You say four and I'll say "I love you more" and then you say five and I say "time to go beddy bye"...(smile)

I am sure you gather where I am going, it's about being creative and keeping ahead (no punt intended) of your little one...Give him extra pillows and allow him that one bang until he gets it out of his system...but allow him to know that what you say is "law" and he has no choice but to listen and do what you say...so in your sternest, but sincerest voice tell him, "I know what's best for you and I love you, but you are going to stop doing that because I don't want you to hurt yourself or feel like that's the only way you can go to bed because it's not...we can make up or own safe ways, let's start...." Good luck and be Safe...(smiles)

Answer 4

you have let this go on for two years? tell him to stop. pad his walls and anything else in him room thats not soft. get him to a doctor to see if there is any brain damage. lady you need help

Answer 5

oh my worrrrrd!!! take him to the doctor to make sure everything is okay! then to a counsler!