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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
1 1/2 yr old son bites himself when throwing a temper tantrum
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
1 1/2 yr old son bites himself when throwing a temper tantrum
by Nolly, Jun 21, 2001 12:00AM
My son is 19 months old and has a very bad temper. When he does not get his way he has a tantrum, bangs his head on the floor or wall and even bites himself - HARD! Yesterday he bit himself so hard he broke skin and bled. I am worried about his behavior and not sure how to handle this. He is my first child so I am not experienced with how to handle it. I am not sure if this is considered "bad" behavior and he should be punished or if this is a cry for help. Please advise. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Jun 22, 2001 12:00AM
, Jun 22, 2001 12:00AM
This is a version of tantrum behavior, which occurs when young children become flooded with rage when they are frustrated. Generally, the best approach to managing tantrums is to ignore the tantrum entirely and not to interact with the child at all during the tantrum. But, when children hurt themselves during tantrums, it sometimes requires that they be help tightly until they calm down, in order to prevent injury. But such restraint should occur only when necessary. As your son matures, his capacity to manage the anger that accompanies frustration will improve.
Member Comments (1)
by red24584, Sep 15, 2008 11:49AM
A related discussion, bites was started.
by red24584, Sep 15, 2008 11:58AM
A related discussion, My daughter does not eat meat was started.
