Is your child pulling out her own hair, eye lashes or eyebrows ?  You are not alone. If you see your  child doing this, observe it for about a week and monitor when and where it happens.  Children usually do this during sedentary moments such as laying in bed or in a car. This condition usually rights itself so you may want to do nothing about it.

However if its hard for you to watch without doing anything and the behavior goes on for a couple of weeks or the child get a bald patch that doesn’t look like it has a chance of growing back, then it is time to talk to a professional.

It is possible that your child may have trichotillomania (trich, for short).  This is a disorder whose symptom is pulling out  your own hair. For some children hair pulling will come and go. This behavior may disappear altogether in some kids and for others it comes back over a period of time when there is sedentary activities such as school or during

• stress
• frustration
• peer problems

How can i help my child who is pulling her own hair ?

It is  good idea to direct the child’s attention away from pulling. It is particularly effective in younger kids so it is better to start early.

Experts suggest some sort of cognitive behavior therapy. This includes a combination of blocking the child’s ability to pull her hair such as wearing gloves or socks on the hand  and giving  the child something else to get the sensory craving she is getting . This could be a stuffed animal with a nice material texture , a hairbrush or toothbrush.

It is important not to give the child negative attention such as getting mad or shaving the child’s  hair. This will not work well to improve the child’s behavior.

Contact your doctor if you have any concerns about your child’s hair pulling.
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