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my 18 month old is hitting herself... any advice??

Mandi - posted on 03/14/2011 ( 3 moms have responded )

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my daughter has just started repeatedly hitting herself repeatedly in the face anytime i correct her or tell her that she cannot do something (go outside, have candy, put her toys in the fish tank...). she hits herself so hard in the face and eyes that she cries. its heart breaking to watch because i feel like its her own way to discipline herself. i don't think its just for attention because she will leave the room and do it with her back to me. i have heard that i should just ignore it, but i feel like she is actually hurting herself, and i really dont want her to continue abusing herself! does anyone have any advice??

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Bridget - posted on 03/15/2011

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My daughter does this too, and it kills me. Ive been told the best thing to do is to just ignore it, which I have found makes her stop quickly. But sometimes if she is throwing an especially big tantrum I will have her sit with me and tell her to be nice, and I put my hands on her head and be gentle with her. Or I will take her hands and put them on my face nicely and tell her to be nice. Usually it works to distract her and she rubs my face and says "Be nice." and I tell her "good girl!" and then she is really proud of herself for listening.

Good luck! I know how heartbreaking it can be!

Candace - posted on 03/15/2011

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My son will hit his head on the floor or a wall when he can't have something he wants. I think he does it out of frustration and doesn't know how to handle himself. He's never bruised himself. If she really does hurt herself, she will learn quite quickly that wasn't a smart thing to do. It's hard to ignore, but I would say let her have her temper tantrum. Distractions are great if you can catch her attention. Maybe just put padded mits on her in these fits, j/k. Good luck!

Aicha - posted on 03/15/2011

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Hi
I know what you are talking about my daughter went through the same thing a bit ago , My doctor said she can't really hurt herself and to just ignore it or distract her from doing it

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