Rocking is considered a "self-stimulatory" behavior in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Other common self-stimulatory behaviors include tooth grinding, finger sucking and head banging. It is often a normal part of behavior in children and requires no specific treatment. Sometimes, however, it may occur following stressors or may occur in certain disease states. Parents should watch for symptoms of any potential psychiatric problems and try to protect their children from any harm during these activities; talk to your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Normal Rocking in Children
Rocking behavior in children normally lasts 15 minutes or less. Rocking behaviors are common between 6 to 9 months of age and usually subside by the age of 2 to 3 years. They occur with equal frequency in boys and girls. Rocking behavior involves the entire body, with the child on his hands and knees. Rocking behavior often occurs before bedtime, when the child is tired or when he is stressed. It may also be a response to music, and it may continue after a child has fallen asleep.
What to Do for Rocking
Rocking behavior, though worrisome, is usually not a major cause of concern to parents. Some families may even have a history of rocking behavior in children. Most children grow out of these behaviors by school age. Paying excessive attention to children while they exhibit these behaviors may only reinforce them; parents instead should try to ignore them during this time. Parents should also ensure that infants do not come to harm by raising the rails of the child's crib.
Parents should monitor children for excessive self-stimulation that interferes with sleep or results in injury. Because rocking may be due to stressors, be aware of any potential disruptions present in your child's life.
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a condition characterized by mental retardation, poor communication and social skills and a failure to develop language. Asperger's disorder, another condition in which lack of communication and social skills are prominent, is similar to autism but lacks the verbal deficit. Both of these disorders are characterized by repetitive self-stimulatory behaviors, such as rocking and head banging. Children who exhibit excessive self-stimulatory behaviors and communicative deficits should be evaluated by a psychologist. A sudden increase in self-stimulatory behaviors in these children may be a sign of underlying pain.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated ADHD, is commonly diagnosed in preschool-age children. The condition is characterized by overactivity and inattention. A common symptom found in young children with ADHD is excessive body rocking, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports. The excessive rocking behavior is thought to be due to a lack of stimulation in these children, or potentially an inability to integrate stimuli. Children with ADHD should be treated by a pediatrician and often show dramatic improvement after treatment with methylphenidate.
