2007-03-02 01:30:38 · 14 answers · asked by mpblackbelt 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Banging their head on the floor is quite common during tantrums of kids of all ages. The only way to stop tantrums is to ignore them consistently and never give in to them. Tantrums continue because they will sometimes get the child what he/she wants. You have to start ignoring every tantrum every time and they will stop. If you give in to a tantrum even once, you will likely end up with tantrums that are even worse than the ones he throws now. If it makes you feel better, you can put a pillow under his head when he bangs his head on the floor, but he'll probably throw it or move his head off of it. It is very hard, but walk away from a tantrum, ignore him, and go about your normal business. Forget about trying to reason with him, promising him something good if he stops, or making a big fuss over him, this is all negative attention. Take advantage of his small size and physically move him to a safe place to have his tantrum if need be. When the tantrum is over, have a little snuggle time (tantrums are exhausting for both him and you). It seems as though they'll never stop, but stay strong and ignore them and they will.
2007-03-02 02:33:54 · answer #1 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My younger son does this (he just turned 20 months old today) and has been since he was about 18 months old. He bangs his head on the floor, the frame of the sofa, the walls--you name it. He starts doing it during a tantrum, then cries even harder because he realizes it hurts! We tell him that it's not nice and try to distract him. Eventually he calms down and toddles off to play or read books or something, and it's over and done with. I have noticed recently that his head-banging episodes are becoming less frequent, so I think it's just a phase they go through. I seriously doubt he can hit his head hard enough to give himself a concussion or seriously hurt himself. Just make sure to emphasize that NO, you can't do that. You'll get hurt!
2007-03-02 08:46:34 · answer #2 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not "normal" but I've certainly heard of this before - it's an attention-getting act done to get a reaction from you. To stop the behaviour, get a thick blanket or foamy pad and put it under his head when he begins his tantrum (and make sure he stays on it) and try your best to just ignore the rest ie)let him bang away! Eventually he'll realize that he's not getting the reaction/attention he wants and stop.
2007-03-02 02:01:38 · answer #3 · answered by chicchick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is he/she is just trying to get attention from this, all u have to do is either pick the baby up and put him/her in their bed or just let them throw their fit and walk away or turn ur back pay no attention to them and they will stop, i told my kids that they they werent hurting me but they were gunna hurt themselfs and they usually stopped, it also helped when we were in public or there are people over to our house that we would say all ur doing is embarissing ur self everyone is looking at u and they would stop pretty quick but the best thing u can do is pay no attention to them and they will stop very shortly, even though u dont like him/her banging her head it will be fine, they may have a headach but thats about it this is a faze that will fade quickly if u dont pay them any attention if u do make a big deal out of it, u will find it happing more often because they will know they can get what they want,
2007-03-02 01:41:01 · answer #4 · answered by keely h 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore it completely. Seriously, if you give the boy any attention during tantrums he will learn that his behaviour makes you react. Make sure you compliment him whenever he does a good or nice thng, t ignore he tantrums and do not give him the thing he has a tantrum for.
2007-03-02 01:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by Joyce R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL, oh how I remember those days!!! Yes it is completely normal. My daughter continued doing it until one day I looked down at her and told her fine it's her head and if she wants to hurt herself it's her problem but I would not sit and watch her do it. I then got up and walked away.
Gabby was so surprised she stopped and watched me leave like she couldn't believe it didn't get to me. We did this a few times and finally she gave up. 2 years later and now I get to go through it with my son.
This technique is tried and true by me. I can't speak for others, but it worked for my child.
Good luck and remember the bumps will heal and it doesn't make you a bad mom.
2007-03-02 03:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by Ginna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is normal...that's not to say it is easy to watch...I've had a headbanger of my own...but, like everything else about a tantrum,it should be ignored...it's an attention getter...so as long as there is an audience, it will continue. Difficult? Oh, yes...but it WILL end...and don't worry...they won't bang it hard enough to hurt themselves. Good luck!
2007-03-02 01:37:45 · answer #7 · answered by mrs O 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IGNORE IT!! My daughter was doing it on anything she was around, doors, windows, peoples legs, the floor...I used to go pick her up and tell her no and worried about the effects of it, then one day I decided I was going to just ignore her and she stopped doing it that very day and never did it again!
2007-03-02 03:15:38 · answer #8 · answered by Belle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would ignore it it will get worse if you show a reaction to it if they see it doesn't bother you they'll try something different my daughter used to do all kinds of stuff when throwing fits I would crank up the stereo and everything so she would know I didn't have to listen to her.
2007-03-02 01:35:00 · answer #9 · answered by fluttergirl2004 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our son did that for a bit. It took one hard bang on a brick for him to realize that wasn't very wise. They will get over it.
2007-03-02 08:13:41 · answer #10 · answered by Jill R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋