What 6 Weird Childhood Behaviors Really Mean

Sometimes it seems that children are tempted to eat the most disgusting treats, such as dirt or a booger, that they managed to dig out of their noses. To adults, this and many other things that children do may seem strange and inexplicable. For example, you may be wondering why your child is banging his head on the crib before bed. But there is actually a reason why kids do these things.

We want to explain some of this strange behavior to you. And don't worry, it's not just your child - many kids do it.

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1. Constantly take off your clothes.

Children are not ashamed when they are naked. Therefore, it is not a problem for them to take off their clothes anytime and anywhere - even in public places. They may do this because their clothes are uncomfortable or because they feel hot. Another reason they might get naked is that they just learned how to do it on their own, so it's a new skill that makes them feel more independent.

2. Drink water in the bath.

Children may not understand that bathroom water is different from drinking water. And since kids play while they bathe, the water is part of it, so they might think it's fun to drink.

3. Banging your head.

Some babies bang their heads on the railing, pillows, or mattresses of their crib when they fall asleep or in the middle of the night. About 15% of children do this. While some consider it a disorder, others believe it is a type of complacency, such as thumb sucking. Either way, it is usually harmless and goes away on its own, so no treatment is required.

4. Eating strange things.

Children can eat almost anything from boogers to insects and dirt. They want to explore new things and what better way than using your taste buds?

5. Pull the hair.

Children under 2 years old can twist or pull their hair to calm down. They may also do this because they are bored. By age 3, they learn to notice how their parents are reacting to this, and this can become part of the behavior that needs attention. In older children, hair pulling can also be a sign of ADHD.

6. Desire to read the same book over and over again.

Listening to a story they already know can help children feel in control. And this control gives them a sense of comfort. They know their parents will read them a book before bed, and they know how the story goes so they can relax and fall asleep.