Toddler slamming his head into things when upset

[Lilypie32]

My 4-year-old nephew has recently starting slamming his head into the wall, on the sink, etc., and/or he will use a toy and slam it into his head. He does this when he is having a tantrum usually because he was not allowed to do or have something he wanted. I have never seen him do this before until about 2 days ago and his parents are baffled.

How would you handle this situation?

[Violet2]

It's common. Don't react. Don't give any emotional feedback. Try to intervene so they don't hurt themselves--move them someplace softer, put hand behind the head etc...

I keep hoping DD will someday clue into the fact that she's hurting herself.

ETA: Since he's 4, he should be having conversations with mom and dad about this. And be offered a redirection. 'Here punch this pillow.'

V

[ANaturalPush]

I agree with Violet2 ^^; if this child's 4 - his parents certainly should be trying to have some sort of constructive conversation with him; although he may just ignore their attempts - it would certainly be better to redirect his frustration into something else.

Does he only do this when he's having a "tantrum"? Or is this a regular habit of initiating activities that would be otherwise painful - just curious.