Why does my son rock back and forth?

Question

When my son was in his crib he used to get on all fours and rock himself to sleep. He is now 12 and enjoys rocking while he is sitting (preferably on the couch watching TV or even in the back seat of the car. I have never discouraged him all these years; I figured he would grow out of it. But now he gets embarrassed if I see him, so I pretend not to notice. It is obvious he does this in private now to comfort himself, am I correct or is there a problem i should know about?

Answer 1

i have a friend who moves his head in the direction like your shakeing your head no.

well he does that all day.

he doesnt do it on puepose.

it is a case of obsessive compulsive disorder.

there is something that has triggered these actions or there is something that will bring him to doing more rituals.

he is fine.

you could take him to the doctor.

but thers nothing they can do about it.

Answer 2

OCD alert!! take him to the doctor or a phsycaiatrist and they could give you some tips

Answer 3

Ive been doing this since i was born whenever i sit or laid down i had too rock or shake my head or body, when i hit about 14 i began to be able to not have to do it, its not a bad thing its VERY comfortable mentally everything is just alright while your doing that... i know that seems crazy but it just relaxes you i wouldn't worry about it cause with me its never done any harm (that i know of) ALSO i love to listen to music while doing it so does this one girl that also does it that i knew.

Your son will too i bet.

but dont tell him not to do it cause when you cant do it and you want to then the feeling is overwhelming and is not fair since he cant stop it if ya get what im saying.

                     On another note i personally had a ruff child hood and traumatic experiences if he has had this too then there would be a connection, ive never gotten help for it but have dealt with it on my own its been a tough ride and rocking back  eased the suckyness of those times.

Answer 4

I would continue to be the observant parent that you are and monitor. Talk with him about if it become more of an issue. It sounds like he understands whats going on. So I would generate some conversation around this.

Answer 5

I would discuss this with his pediatrician because it isn't normal. However, everyone has a different way of soothing themselves. Some play with their hair, others shake their leg. What is important is that he not have a mild case of Autism, but you can't determine that unless his doctor looks over his entire medical history and so forth.

Answer 6

Um, try taking him to a shrink, just maybe he needs to talk to somebody. He might not feel comfortable talkin to you.

Answer 7

It's a self-stimulatory behavior...  Is there any possibility that he may have an autism spectrum disorder?  Just a thought...

Answer 8

Could he have Autism or Asberger's?

Answer 9

Its a psychological sign that he needs some sort of nutriment. He needs love and affection. Talk to him let him know you love him and that you are there for him or take him to see a therapist if you don't know how to approach him bout it. Be patient..