A hello and a question

[HeatherMicaela]

I am new
I am waiting to get an appointment for both my son and oldest dd for evaluation.

But til then I could use some imput.

My dd is just now 4 and she has this habbit of self-harm when upset. She has always been moody, had rages, and been hard to console but it used to be outward raging. Like throwing things or harming others . She is not "mean" so as she has matured she has been able to resist lashing out. BUt now she has taken to scratching herself over and over when upset.

I dont know what to do for her

 

[RooMama]

I don't have any advise, cause I've not dealt with that kind of situation, but I did want to say "hi!"

 

[Meshavrischika]

Have you offered her other physical outlets when she is upset? Maybe a little punching bag or letting her beat a pillow or throw balls at a board. Something that will allow her a little release physically...

 

[HeatherMicaela]

i had a cheapo punching bag - i need a "real" one

 

[Meshavrischika]

I guess, if you can, just let her wear herself out on something when she's mad... Either that, or you're gonna have to duct tape socks over her little hands... (purely in jest)

 

[CaseyK]

Could she be having sensory overload? My dd has sensory processing dysfunction and has many of the behaviors you are talking about. i would research that and see if she is a sensory seeker.

We use a weighted vest and lap blanket and those really come in handy when she is having a tantrum.

Just a thought

 

[HeatherMicaela]

She has an appt to see a psych. I'll let you know how that goes

 

[CaseyK]

Good luck! I will be praying for you all

 

[Mayzoo]

Any update? My sweetie was diagnosed with Sensory issues also. I have been told only an Occupational Therapist can diagnose this (at least where I am--Texas).

When my sweetie acts out like throwing things I tried having her face away from me, stand almost between my legs, I firmly but gently held her arms, and spoke firmly yet even toned to her telling her that throwing things is unacceptable behavior, and that mommy prefers her to stomp and say I am frustrated until she relaxed a little---then I prompted her to stomp her feet and say "I am frustrated" Which ironically was kinda cute since she pronounced it frussterated. She found this both stress releaving and kinda funny, so it helped her a lot. I was happy with it because she learned I would not tolerate the behavior and I gave her an alternate outlet.

 

[RJAZ]

If you're still with us,try some tranquility music on headphones. I use this method with my son. He hits his chest when mad.

 

[michristke]

Sounds similar to my son. He was diagnosed bipolar.

 

[peace2usall]

sounds like sensory issues, you could try things like a bean box if you know when she is about to get upset this seems to work for most of the children i work with. Bean box is just a pastic shoe box with kidney beans in it then you take a plastic flower pot & small cups.

 

[peace2usall]

other sensory items are ice chips for her to chew on or therapy ball to bounce.