Mum question:Im desperately after some advice! My daughter is 16.5 months young. She started the traditional 18 month mile stones behaviour wise about a 3 months ago. With it has been head banging when shes having a tough time. Not little head bangs Im talking full on smacking head *hard* until she really hurts herself and is *screaming* in pain. She might start on carpet however will deliberately go out of her way to find a proper hard surface. Ive read to not give the episode much attention which is really hard. I usually say something to the effect of youre having a tough time but please dont bang your head accompanied with a cuddle, Ive tried ignoring (the head banging) and redirection which still fails to calm her. Shes an only child and we attachment parent, co-sleep, baby wear and are breastfeeding. Nothing has changed of late in her life. In non tough times shes a seriously independent little lady who knows what she wants, how to do it, and when shes going to do it! Is this normal?! Should I be worried about something else going on? How do you stop it? She really causes herself some serious pain. Its heartbreaking to watch Pinky says: Poor wee love. You sound as though you are handling this very gently and positively. Perhaps she has some irritation re teething(molars)? Or food sensitivities that would be contributing. Check out fedup.au . Also keep a diary and see if you can find any links - e.g. tiredness, hunger etc. Id pick her up and cuddle as soon as she seems to e escalating into the slightest head banging - at 16 months she wont have impulse control so wont be able to stop herself.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 04:30:00 +0000