15 month old exhibits self-harm behavior...is this unusual?

[tidalwave]

My 15 month old son frequently gets mad and frustrated and then he does things such as smack hiself on the face or purposefully hits his head on the floor or onto other hard objects.  He does it many nights to make himself cry so he can fall asleep.  This worries me; is this a common reaction to frustration for a child his age?

Tidal-***@****
(Please respond with e-mail if you can, as I've never been to this sight before, - thank you.)

[verabond]

A related discussion, baby tantrums was started.

[4kidmom]

All behavior has a purpose. It sounds as though your child has learned how to manipulate her mother. I see many parents who are intimidated by their children. I really think you need to get a handle on this ASAP. First, make sure you are enjoying your child! Build up and encourage her. When you want your child to obey there is no motivation for her unless she feels secure in your love. Your child is going to have to someday function in an adult world where things do not always go her way. She needs to begin to learn self-control now. When you stick to what you say you need to see it as loving and training. I would stay at home and not take her out in public until you have taught her that she can not get what she wants by throwing a tantrum. You mentioned "comforting her tantrum". My advice would be that this is where you need to be firm (but kind) and tell her that this behavior is not acceptable. She is old enough to understand this. This will take great strength on your part and I will be praying for you.
Sincerely, Marjorie
(I am NOT a doctor, but a mother of 4 well adjusted children)
17,16,13,10 and Yes they did throw tantrums. : )

[latina37]

I have a 21 month old daughter who has for months now exibited such tantrums that it is near to impossible to take her out in public.  When we do depending on the occation or the purpose, say we are shopping.  The minute the stroller or shopping cart stops, she becomes rageful.  If we are at a restaurant she begins to buck and kick in the highchair, then proceds to swipe what ever is in her way, off the table and begins to scream.  She too will slap herself int the face when she is angry, then slam her haed on the floor or wall.  I am very concerned that a concusion may occur or some form of brain  damage may happen from the trauma of so many tantrums which end up with my daughter crying because she is now in pain because she has harmed herself. My background is child development and I am at my wits end trying to cope with her rages.  I try and comfort her, but i well know that trying to comfort a tantrum does nto work until she has come down from her "wave" even tryingot catch teh tantrum before it starts is difficult because they are sporatic.  Some time what has set her off one day, does not the next.  I relate to those parents who's children like mine have rageful epesodes which case self inflicting pain.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

This is a fairly common tantrum behavior in children between the ages of one and two. Such young children become flooded with frustration and anger, and the behavior is an indication of that. Try not to think of the behavior as purposeful - it isn't. He is not doing this to make himself cry. The behavior is not that deliberate.