My toddler hits herself.....

[maggie_may]

Is this normal? When she is even slightly upset or frustrated she slaps herself in the face. Like is she wants something and I say no she'll yell and smack herself. Sometimes really hard! Hard enough to make herself cry. It's awful, it makes us feel so bad. We don't spank her or slap her ever. Nobody else looks after her, she's never had a babysitter. I don't know why she does it. She also hits us when she's mad at us. We tell her no hitting and try to distract her but we don't know what else to do.

Does anyone else's kid do this? Did they outgrow it? She's 25 months right now and has been doing it for a couple of months.

[snangel]

My 3 1/2 yr old still does this on occasion, he used to bang his head against the wall. The dr told me not to worry, that it is his way of regulating, and to just ensure he is safe. Hugs momma.

[lostiejen]

Hugs to ya, mama. I get what you are going through. Mine actually tries to bite herself but it's all the same - just a frustration thing. I just try to take her hand really quickly and redirect so she doesnt get a chance to be upset about having something taken away (or whatever the situation is).

Good luck and dont worry. I'm sure it's a phase. This too shall pass.

[maggie_may]

Thanks mamas. I just haven't seen other kids doing that. And it's kind of embarrassing when it's in front of other people, I feel like a bad mum.