How do I avoid getting hit in the head by my one year old?
 

He just headbutt me so hard that I seen stars. I really don't see anyway to avoid getting hit by him...besides wearing a helmet but I'm not gonna do that lol. I'm almost certain that I'm getting sub concussive impacts by these hits because I feel a little different each time it happens. I'll just be laying on my bed and he comes plowing into me from out of nowhere.

Anyone else have this problem with their kids? Is the impact hard enough to cause permanent damage?

Snap!
My daughter headbutted me with the back of her head yesterday as I as carrying her downstairs. At first I was grateful it wasn't my nose until the severe head pain began Again.
I have taught my daughter that mummy has a bad head and she even plays going to the ER with a headache with her dolls, so sweet.
You just have to be alert and work on being higher up liturally than your child.

Kids can learn not to play rough or do hurtful things.
It takes time, and some kids are much more active than others.

#1 there's a time for rough play and time for gentle play - no long explanations about it just short & sweet.

#2 make sure he does have some play time every day for really active /rough play, like running , jumping , climbing - but not mean or hurtful play. Hurting or being mean is a no no. Time for a nap or quiet time alone.

# 3 Parent/co parent needs to be consistent & in agreement with rules and time outs or whatever you use.


But it is always safe to be aware of what might happen, like with my horse, I don't fully trust her to behave, so I always keep a eye on her.

Nick,

As peachey and Jo*mar have stated, explaining your head condition is important. Another important thing is to respond quickly in pain. He needs to recognize his error immediately. His memory is not long lasting. He will need many repeats of this 'Ouch, you hurt Daddy's head.' If head butting is a common behavior, it has to be stopped.

A 14 or 16 month old is old enough to understand proper behavior and play. If you need to correct him, you need to stop him and be sure he is looking at your eyes. Hold him firmly by the shoulders and say, "Look at Daddy. You will be punished if you hit anybody with your head." Be sure he is continuously looking at your eyes so he sees the importance of what you are saying. Tara needs to be on board with this format.

If he can talk well enough, ask him to say what he did wrong. This is additional reinforcement. Keep in mind that his memory is short and he needs consistent repetition of a directive for it to make a difference. He needs to be given a short leash. No "This is the third time I have told you this" before a repercussion. He will be learning that No does not mean No until it is said three times. Use a firm controlled voice. Do not respond with an angry voice. He will shut down his understanding and just try to defend himself from the anger.

Ask him if he is sorry. When he says he is, say you forgive him and give him a firm hug. You may even ask him to rub or kiss your sore spot. It makes the injury a reality to him.

The concept we learned raising kids was simple. As adults, we have more patience to outlast their misbehavior than they have energy to be ornery.

If you have ever raised a puppy, the same techniques work there too. Both have minds that are learning behavior patterns and cause and effect.

This new relationship of Caleb taking care of Daddy will be a great accomplishment for you both. Be patient and consistent and expect him to get it.

In my experience taking care of others children from creepers to two year olds, this works well, even when they have different systems at home.

My best to you.

good dad
 

It sounds like you are an attentive, hands on, dad. Way to go. I find it tough to be a good parent with the PCS. I would treat head butting like I treat the stove or other hot or really dangerous things. I firmly say (sometimes shout if I'm a distance away) "no" or "hot". I use a tone of voice I don't use for anything else except the really, really dangerous and generally my three kids have picked up that this is something really really forbidden. When my kids were toddlers I did not have PCS (thank god), so I didn't use the tone for headbutting so I don't know how it will work for you. Good luck. I do remember those headbutting days.