My son plays with my hair constantly

Liz - posted on 09/26/2011

my son who is now five used to have to hold my hair and run it thru his fingers especilly if he was un well or tired, i never stoped this and he just gradually stopped himself , every now and then he has a little feel but thats all.

Kerry - posted on 03/09/2011

the onl thing that bothers me is he wakes up to get in bed to do it in the midde of the night and it keeps me awake> the blsnket sounds good but i have tried and he is having none of it! i think he is in a routine of waking up to get in bed now< x

Dana - posted on 07/22/2010

My son does it too! its sooo annoying. Its like he has to constantly have his hand in my hair, I tried to deter him away from it, I would move him but now he even trys to put his feet in my hair

Clare - posted on 02/23/2009

im nearly 30 and i still play with my hair, I still mess with it to fall asleep!!

Monika - posted on 02/23/2009

Enjoy every minute of it because they grow up fast. No, it's not any compulsive behavior but comforting to your child. My youngest child of 4 is now 11. I nursed him until he was 11 months old and while he was nursing, he would reach out and twirl his fingers around in my long hair from very early on. Now, when he lays next to me while we are watching TV, he still reaches for my hair. It's just comforting to him and nothing else.

Holly - posted on 02/23/2009

Thanks for all the replies!

I guess there's really nothing to worry about.....and I better enjoy it while he still wants to adore his mommy!

Dawn - posted on 02/21/2009

I've been twirling my hair for years and I turned out ok.  :)

It really is nothing to worry about - just a habit.

Connie - posted on 02/21/2009

I think it's a comfort thing too. My son twirled and held my hair since birth. He did it mostly when he was tired or taking his bottle. He also twirls his own hair. He's eight years old now and still twirls his hair when he's laying down for bed.

Lara - posted on 02/21/2009

It is a comforting thing. My nephew does it to his mom all the time, especially when he is tired, he twirls it too and gets knots in it. Just be glad it is hair, my son, does this pinch and twist thing with the skin on my neck. He does it when he is tired, he is 4, I have tried everything to get him to stop, nothing works.

Heather - posted on 02/21/2009

It's a comfort thing.  My 16 month old daughter does it when she is drinking or when she is sleepy.  She actually climbs in my lap so that she can run his fingers through it.  She also has cousiins that do it to their mom.  If it is bothersome, try introducing something like a blanket that has a similar silkiness.

Stephanie - posted on 02/21/2009

My son was the same way. He started playing with my hair at birth when I would be nursing him and then continued by running his fingers through his own hair until he started kindergarten. Seriously, the boy couldn't take a drink of milk without playing with his hair. He still likes to touch my hair now but it is on rare occasions. He is 8 now and I do notice when he is tired or not feeling well that he will start running his fingers through his hair. I think it is simply his way of coping with things and it has always been a comforting thing. My daughter on the other hand prefers a nice soft blanket or "silky" shirt. I don't think it is anything to worry about but if it bothers you, try a soft or fuzzy blankie.

Ashley - posted on 02/21/2009

My son is 4 and he still does this.  I wouldn't really worry about it but if it bothers you, you might try to wear your hair up more.  I find that it deters him a little bit more.

Summer - posted on 02/21/2009

I would say that it is a self-soothing mechanism. I wouldn't worry about it, unless it gets on your nerves. If so, try limiting his time that he does it, redirect him to something else. I would guess he would grow out of it eventually.

Angela - posted on 02/21/2009

No its a comforting thing. My 20 month old does it when he is tired/having a bottle etc and his brother when he was younger. Loads of kids tend to do it actually. My baby even used to put his hand down my top! But if u r concerned, u could do as my friend did and get a "rubby"...blanket/quilt etc.

Rebecca - posted on 02/21/2009

I would say it's a comforting thing for him.  My 18 month old does the same thing, but usually just when he's tired.  Maybe you could try introducing a blankie or something that is soft if it is bothering you.