"My 19 mth old boy has started slapping his head and pinching his cheeks from time to time. Usually on when he has to get in his car seat. I try to ignore it but he doesn't stop so I try to distract him but giving him a cracker or a toy. Does anyone know what may cause this?"
-Anonymous
7 comments:
this can be caused either by him wanting your attention or by him being frustrated by something.
is this always at the same time of the day? like are you taking him to daycare or something because he might just not want to go there. is he not getting his way about something? because it might be a tantrum too.
as long as you look at why the behavior is occuring you can find a sensible way to deal with it and as long as it works and doesn't borderline on neglect your child should be fine :)
I dont think a mother ignoring a tantrum is neglect.. kindof a strange statement
you didnt specify if it actually works when you try and distract him or ignore him, does it?>
I think the point was it's probably not a tantrum that's being ignored, but actually the child needing something and getting frustrated at not being able to get the point across and that shouldn't be ignored.
I really doubt she is ignoring him if there is anything wrong.. didnt you read her question?
From someone who has dealt with dozens of children with behavioral problems professionally, everytime you try an "distract" him with food or a toy, you are guaranteeing that he will repeat the behavior in the future. The only way to get rid of the behavior, which is attention seeking, is to give a negative consequense of some kind for it. Ignoring just is not enough for a lot of behaviors. A stern NO, and always continue with the process (if it is putting him in his car seat). But never give food or play or positive attention when he is trying to get your attention in a negative way like that.
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