Is rocking back and forth normal or does it signify that you have a psychological problem if it progresses into your adulthood?

Comment:

I am a rocker also, and a dr. told me his theory that I do it because I wasn't held enough as a baby, and I'm comforting myself when I do it. It made perfect sense to me.

Answer:

Your doctor may be correct, but how can we ever know for sure? Personally, I have been rocking while standing as an adult, for many years and I find that I do this most often when I feel anxious and/or stressed. I find that rocking somewhat relieves the tension I feel, and I find it quite soothing. I try not to make a "spectacle" of myself, but find that I even sway back and forth often while I talk with people. I have a good job and I am a lot more stable than most people you run into today. I am not on any medications and I have very nice and well-adjusted grown children.

I believe people do naturally what they have to do, in order to compensate for nuturing they did not receive enough of as children

• so again, possibly the things you needed more of as a young child

were not given to you (or me) as much as they should have been. My mother was an orphan, so perhaps what your doctor said holds some truth.

As a very small child, I rocked so much standing in my crib that I developed a "bump" on the back of my head, which remains there today. My mother had me examined by a doctor, and at one time, he was going to surgically remove the knot, but happily left it there. This only goes to show that I have been anxious all of my life and my rocking seemed to suffice. So "rock on" if it helps you through the day - I can think of a lot worse things to be concerned about!