My 14-month old headbutts EVERYTHING!?

Question

When my son does not get his way he throws the full blown temper tantrum. He will throw himself on the ground and scream or he'll walk up to something and headbutt it. It does not matter what it is... he's hit the kitchen cabinets, the floor, the coffee table, the wall, me, and even the fireplace.

Is anyone experiencing the same thing and if so what have you done to correct this bad behavior? I need all the advice I can get. I just want to raise a happy healthy child. He does go in timeout in his pack-n-play when he throws he fits but it's not working.

Answer 1

My son did the EXACT same thing. Headbutting the ground.. the coffee table.. everything.

I talked to his pediatrician about it, and did a lot of research online, and everything came back to this... IGNORE HIM.

At some point, he headbutted himself and got a reaction from you, that he viewed as a positive one. Which is why he keeps doing it.

And when I say ignore.. I mean.. completely ignore him. Turn your back to him, walk into another room.. do not give him any kind of attention until he stops.

I know it is hard.. it KILLED me to not give my son attention or try to prevent him from headbutting things (I was terrified he was going to hurt himself!) but after a few days, he stopped and has not done it since then.

It's frustrating, but you'll get through it!  

Answer 2

My 2 yr old does the same thing still and ironically he did it at the neurologists office. He was wearing a shirt that talks and everytime he banged his head on the window, Shrek yelled "That's great!" The neurologist said not to worry about it that he wouldn't hurt himself.