2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Encountered an extraordinary problem when a child hits himself on the head? What to do in this case, and what could be the reasons for this behavior of the baby? Let's try to understand the possible motives for such an act, and also share the advice of experts on how to deal with such a problem.
Autoaggression
In psychology and psychotherapy, such human behavior is referred to as "auto-aggression". This state manifests itself in different forms: verbal (reproaches of oneself), physical (blows, cuts, bites). The reasons for the appearance of such a pathology are different, in many respects they depend on the age of the person. Many researchers believe that auto-aggression is a kind of defensive reaction to some kind of stimulus. This condition in children from 2 to 16 years old is quite common. In no case should a child’s aggression directed at himself be ignored, as this can lead to the development of serious nervous conditions or a mental disorder. Below are the most commonreasons why a child hits himself on the head.
Lack of attention
One of the common causes of children's auto-aggression is the lack of adult attention. Often this situation is observed in families in which a second child has appeared. When all the attention of adults is focused on the younger brother (sister), the older baby suffers from a lack of communication with adults. Then the child hits himself on the head in order to attract attention. Moreover, this behavior is observed both in preschool children and in adolescents. To resolve the current situation, adults need to pay more attention to the child, show care and love.
Unfavorable family situation
The next common reason for this behavior of a child is an unfavorable psychological situation in the family. Frequent quarrels of parents, physical violence in the family, of course, violate the fragile psyche of the child. The kid is simply lost, does not understand what is happening, and cannot find a solution to the current problem. In such an environment, a difficult child grows up, as it is customary to call it in society, who is constantly naughty, fights, and shows aggression both towards himself and towards people around him. In this situation, the psychological state of the baby depends only on the further behavior of adults, their decisions regarding the situation in the family.
Age crises
Researchers have noticed that at certain ageperiods are more often recorded cases when a child hits himself on the head. 1 year is the stage when the baby begins to perceive himself outside the mother's body; understand that he can do anything on his own. If adults try to limit his freedom, some kids show their disagreement precisely in the form of auto-aggression.
The next crisis period comes in 3 years. At this age, the baby actively demonstrates his own opinion, even if he himself understands that it is erroneous. It is during this period that the negative behavior of the child is most often manifested, which is a protest of the baby against the intervention of adults in his space and the restriction of independence.
And, perhaps, the most difficult and longest crisis period is adolescence. If at this age a child shows auto-aggression, then you should immediately understand the reasons for this behavior, talk with a teenager, and, if necessary, seek professional help from a doctor.
Manipulation
Baby hitting himself in the head? The reasons for this behavior may be hidden in egocentrism. In this way, the baby can try to get what he wants. Most often this is done by preschoolers or younger students. The child, realizing that the opinion of others is important for adults, begins to act up right in the store, demanding to buy him a toy. Parents, finding themselves in such a situation, most often go on about the baby, since the place does not have a long conversation with the child, and even more so to punish the naughty crumbs. But, having once received the desired in this way,the baby will only more often begin to manipulate adults. In such a situation, in no case should you fulfill the requirements of the child - you need to clearly define the boundaries of what is permitted and strictly observe them.
Mental illness
In rare cases, a child's behavior is caused by a neurological or mental illness. Only a specialist can diagnose a pathological condition by conducting the necessary diagnostic studies. You can suspect the disease if the close adults of the baby cannot find the reasons for this behavior of the child, as well as with sudden attacks of auto-aggression. For example, the little one was playing with blocks, while laughing, was not worried or upset about something, but suddenly began to beat himself on the head, after which he again started a fun game. It is especially important to pay attention to the whims of a child at an early age - when the baby still cannot explain why he is doing this and what worries him.
What to do: expert advice
First of all, to solve such a problem, adults need to understand the reasons for this behavior of the baby. For this, it is necessary to observe for a certain period under what circumstances the child hits himself on the head. If the cause is found, it should be eliminated immediately. For example, if the baby shows such a reaction to punishment, lack of adult attention, difficulties encountered at school, then you should support the baby, talk to him about his feelings and fears. It's not so much the content that's importanttrusting atmosphere, friendly mood of conversation between an adult and a child. The child should feel sincere support and understanding from an adult.
An effective means of combating children's auto-aggression is a passion for sports. For example, boys can be encouraged to join the football section, and girls may like gymnastics or modern dance. Such leisure will not only reduce anxiety and aggression, but also help children increase self-confidence and realize their potential and abilities.
If parents fail to cope with the problem of auto-aggression in a child, you should seek help from a neurologist and psychologist. So, the first specialist will offer soothing herbal remedies. Such medicines will not only not harm the he alth of the baby, but also, with the right dosage, will enrich the child's body with useful elements and vitamins.
Psychologists are increasingly using art therapy, hippotherapy and treatment with animals in such cases. The first method is the expression of negative emotions, aggression through artistic creativity.
Hippotherapy literally means "treatment with a horse". With the help of this method, tension is reduced, not only psychological, but also physical.
A similar technique is animal therapy, based on the communication of the baby with different animals, most often cats, rabbits, decorative dogs.
Thus, we told what can be done if a "difficult" child showsautoaggression. So, the main task of adults is the timely detection of a pathological condition and the provision of all possible assistance to the crumbs, which manifests itself in care, attention, support for the baby in a difficult situation for him.
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