As a parent, it can be concerning and distressing when your toddler bangs their head. It's natural to want to know what is causing this behavior and how to stop it. Here are a few possible reasons why your toddler may be banging their head:

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1. Frustration or anger: Toddlers often don't have the words to express their feelings, and head banging can be a way for them to release frustration or anger.
2. Attention seeking: Head banging may be a way for your toddler to get your attention, especially if they have learned that this behavior elicits a strong reaction from you.
3. Sensory seeking: Some children may bang their head as a way to seek sensory input. This may be due to sensory processing issues or a need for more physical stimulation.
4. Sleep related: Head banging may also be a sleep-related behavior, occurring during sleep or just before falling asleep.

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It's important to remember that head banging is a normal part of child development and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your child's head banging is causing them injury or is occurring frequently, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or child development specialist.

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To help reduce head banging, you can try the following strategies:

• Provide a safe outlet for frustration: Encourage your child to use words to express their feelings and offer them safe ways to release frustration, such as by hitting a pillow or stomping their feet.
• Ignore the behavior: If your child is head banging for attention, try to ignore the behavior and instead offer attention for positive behavior.
• Provide sensory input: If your child is head banging due to sensory seeking, you can try providing sensory input through activities such as swinging or jumping on a trampoline.
• Address sleep issues: If your child's head banging is sleep related, you may want to try establishing a consistent bedtime routine and addressing any underlying sleep issues.

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Head banging in toddlers is often a normal part of child development and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the behavior is causing injury or occurring frequently, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or child development specialist. To help reduce head banging, you can try providing a safe outlet for frustration, ignoring the behavior, providing sensory input, and addressing sleep issues.

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^Sources:

• ^{American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Head banging: Is it normal? Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Head-Banging-Is-it-Normal.aspx}
• ^{Mayo Clinic. (2018). Toddler behavior: How to manage common challenges. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/toddler-health/in-depth/toddler-behavior/art-20046157}

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