Parenting Blog

You may have recently started to see your little one get down on their belly and purposely bang their head on the floor. Chances are higher if you have a little boy, as boys are usually much more likely to go through this phase. There is probably no need to worry about it as there are many little ones who will do this.

Possible causes of a toddler banging their head can be both emotional and physical. Sometimes you may be able to tell which one is probably the case, but other times it may just seem random. Either way, by the age of three or so, they will probably have outgrown it.

Your little one may be banging their head simply to gain your attention. Since you probably are concerned and make a fuss over it when you see this happening, they may continue to do so. They begin to understand that it will get your attention and cause reactions from you.

Giving your little one plenty of love and attention on a daily basis may help reduce the head banging if this is the case. When they are not banging their head make sure they feel they are loved and important. During the times when they do bang their head try to not over-react to it. While you will understandably be concerned about it, try not to make a big deal or a make a noticeable fuss about it. Your little one will see how much attention they get from it and will likely do it more often.

If your toddler is in the middle of what seems to be a tantrum, and starts banging their head, it could very well be out of frustration. They may be unable to communicate to you what they wish they could say and banging their head can oddly be a comfort to them.

Sometimes banging their head can be a temporary fix to something that is bothering them physically. If they have an ear infection or something else that is hurting, the slight pain from banging their head may distract from the primary pain.

Normally a toddler will not bang their hard enough to actually hurt themselves. Even if they seem to be banging their head hard, they will usually start easing up if it is causing much pain. They may end up with a bruise here and there but more often that not, there is no cause for major concern.

However, in fewer cases the head banging in a toddler can be something to be concerned about. If they seem to be banging their head a lot and consistently you may want to take a second look as to what is going on. Also, if they continue to hit their head hard enough that it is really hurting them, and they do it anyways you should be looking more into it.

Head banging can be related to autism, and other disorders, but will be among other signs. Your toddler’s head banging alone will rarely signal cause for concern. If there are other signs you have noticed, or if your little one is not coming anywhere near common milestones, you should talk to your pediatrician about it.

You have tried everything you can think of, and you just can’t seem to sooth your screaming toddlers’ tantrum. The more you try to help only seems to make things worse. You have offered a toy, tried to hug them, tried talking to them, and the only thing you have accomplished has been watching your red faced little one throw themselves onto the floor.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Your toddler is most likely just upset because of something they don’t understand, or something they can not communicate to you. Parenting a toddler can be a very trying time, but yet very rewarding.

This point in your child’s life is amazing. Your little one is learning, and discovering more things in one single day, when they are two years old, than they ever have or ever will throughout their life.

That is a lot of pressure, and confusion for them sometimes. A tiny thing such as wanting to watch The Doodlebops, and not the Mickey Mouse you just put in, can lead to a half hour toddler tantrum. Maybe they tried to communicate to you what they want, but they just can’t seem to get the point across. Imagine how frustrating that is for them!

Whenever you feel your toddler is slipping into one of these times, try to be calm with them. Get down on one knee so you are at their level and soothingly talk to them. Try to convey to them that you are there, and you want to help with whatever the problem is.

If there is no stopping the incoming tantrum, like a train hurling down the track, stay focused on remaining calm. Toddlers are very adept at sensing your anxiety, stress, and frustration. This will only add to theirs and make things even worse. It can be very difficult, I know; I’ve been there. You have heard the saying “count to 10” I’m sure, but it really is a very good thing to do.

On the go

The grocery store can be a very scary place for parents of toddlers. You may rush through hoping and praying that something does not trigger one of your toddler’s tantrums. When you are on the go with your little one there are some things you can do in trying to prevent a fiasco.

* Ensure that you bring a sippy cup for drinks, especially if you are going to be outside in the heat.
* Bring some favorite snacks and don’t let your toddler leave the house hungry. (Unless of course you are going out to eat)
* Don’t take a tired toddler out to run errands, you are only asking for trouble if you do. Go in the morning or right after their nap.
* Bring a well loved toy or hat. Anything that may distract them from a potential tantrum trigger.

Toddler tantrums are going to be an ongoing part of your daily routine for a while. It is just something that comes with the territory. Don’t let it interrupt your life or let it have negative impacts on your relationship with them. Understand that tantrums are not an attack on you. Enjoy your time with your little ones now, before they grow up!