Self inflicted pain

I have a 4 year old daughter who has been in the childcare center I manage since birth.  She has recently (within the last month) begun to slap herself in the face and on the sides of her head when her teachers are correcting her behavior and reminding her to use her words when having difficulties with a classmate.  She is extremely verbal and easily understood.  She does not exhibit this behavior at home.  Her father, teachers and I have all been discussing with her how this is not ok.  Her father and I do not use corporal punishment with her, although we have in the past.  We agreed about a year ago not to use this form of discipline with her anylonger, we use a sit and watch or time out or a form of "grounding" from special priviledges such as watching her disney movies.  I do not know if this type of behavior is only with this one teacher or if she is also showing this with the other two teachers in the room.  Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I would not pay this behavior much mind at all, to tell you the truth. My guess is that it will wane if little or even no attention is drawn to it. If it persists, instruct her to stop it. You won't likely need to involve any particularly complicated behavioral plan.