Management of Head banging or rocking
This is common < 4 yrs when going to sleep, esp. in 3 yo. It is also a feature
of severe emotional deprivation. It is quite different to a child hitting the
head with the hands. Reassure parents that the problem settles by 4–5 yrs.
• Advise distraction or actively ignoring the behaviour.
• Avoid reinforcing it by excessive attention or punishment.
• Advise placing bed or cot in middle of room, away from wall.
• Restrict bedtime (if appropriate).
This is common < 4 yrs when going to sleep, esp. in 3 yo. It is also a feature
of severe emotional deprivation. It is quite different to a child hitting the
head with the hands. Reassure parents that the problem settles by 4–5 yrs.
• Advise distraction or actively ignoring the behaviour.
• Avoid reinforcing it by excessive attention or punishment.
• Advise placing bed or cot in middle of room, away from wall.
• Restrict bedtime (if appropriate).