Q:My 18 month old started pulling my hair while I was pregnant.How can I get him to stop?

A:Hair pulling often starts as an accidental tug,which provokes a reaction from you.Your tot will then pull your hair again,causing an even bigger reaction,and so a cycle of bad behaviour begins.Your pregnancy may have triggered it because he was jealous,and he quickly learned that hair pulling gets a response - even if it's not a nice one,it's better than no attention at all.Next time he pulls your hair,calmly take his hand from your head,avoid eye contact,put him down,and walk away.When the situation has cooled,tell him that hair pulling is not allowed and that he must be gentle.Initially he may be confused and up the rate of hair pulling.The whole family needs to be consistent in its approach.Don't talk about it when your son's around,as it's just giving him attention in a different way.Combine this approach with lots of praise when he's gentle,and talk about his good behaviour when he's in earshot.