2 y/o hurting themself?

[triana1326]

So my just turned 2 y/o DD is doing something strange and rather disturbing. For about 6 months now, she has been pinching herself. It doesn't sound bad when I type it out, but it looks bad. She pinches herself all over her body, but lately she's been focusing on her nipples and inner thighs. I'm sure that it's somewhat related to the birth of our DS three months ago and the fact that she hates sharing "num-nums". But she's pinching hard enough to leave red marks that fade a few hours later, and seems that she does it when she gets upset and angry. I ask her if it hurts when she does it and she says yes, but it doesn't seem like she does. I have a degree in psychology so I'm wondering if I'm over-analyzing when I relate this pinching to cutting in teen girls. But I'm really worried that this is her hurting herself as an emotional response to stress. Help!!

[Logan's mommy]

I don't have any words of advice, just commiseration. Ds2 (also two) hits himself in the head whenever he gets angry, scolded, or told no. I'm at a loss as to how to get him to stop.

[ellemenope]

Originally Posted by triana1326

I have a degree in psychology so I'm wondering if I'm over-analyzing when I relate this pinching to cutting in teen girls. But I'm really worried that this is her hurting herself as an emotional response to stress. Help!!

Oh, no, I would not go there. I would maybe look into other symptoms of SPD specifically sensory seeking behaviour.

But, honestly, it is probably just a phase. She might be doing it because she knows it gets your attention.

[pbjmama]

It sounds like she needs some alternative ways to express her feelings. Is she very verbal? Can you help her with words she can say? Or read books about being angry or sad with appropriate outlets? My 2.5 yos favorite book is if you're angry and you know it.

[triana1326]

She's extremely verbal, esp. when it comes to how she's feeling, which is why this behavior is so worrying to me. I will take your suggestion and get some books on feelings. She is extremely empathetic to other people, hugging crying kids at our play groups, kissing her GM's bad leg and saying "Boo-boo is all better, right?", etc. She even gets sad and upset when she sees pictures of kids crying (like in the baby faces books) or on TV.

Thanks for the ideas!