Are You Currently Struggling With Toddler Hitting?

I'm sure you were not eager for the terrible twos. Nevertheless, it really is an essential developmental phase for kids. A lot of the behavior problems we come across, including toddler hitting, can be a result of your child experiencing emotions but not understanding how to correctly communicate them. Knowing this can help you learn how to deal with toddler misbehavior.

It would be unusual for toddler hitting to come from actual aggression. Having your attention is important at this age and they find out that hitting gets attention for them. However it all appears, the aggressive actions are not really because they're mean. A toddler isn't going to realize that things they do impacts how others feel. And if they are feeling out of control or tense, they will hit others as a way to express themselves. Your child needs to see your ability to manage your feelings and that you can lead them by example.

Hitting gets attention for your child. The initial response should be quick and concise without bringing lots of attention towards toddler or the situation. Simply say to the child that, "we do not hit one another." After a few times of reaffirming that statement to your child, they will often discontinue the pattern of toddler hitting. Nevertheless, with certain children the conduct may continue. If so, you may want to apply alternative strategies to stop them from hitting.

When your child is irritated or simply annoyed they may try and hit others to communicate their feelings. It is important that you display a relaxed reply to their behavior that doesn't include raising your voice or hitting the child. They need an example of proper behavior from you. If you've noticed that simply telling them that, "we never hit," isn't enough to teach them proper behavior you can begin to instruct them on different outlets for their feelings. Provide them with suitable words to use as acceptable kinds of self expression. I'm mad. I'm tired. I want my toy back. This will likely help it become easier for them to express their emotions and it will even shed some light on what circumstances are causing the child to feel tension so that you can help them figure out how to deal with those occasions.

Knowing the reason why your toddler is hitting people can often be more than enough to help you adjust their actions into better ways to express their emotions. Other parents may not be able to get toddler hitting in check. When this sort of behavior is allowed to carry on your child may wind up stuck in a pattern that is difficult to change the longer it carries on. If you find that you cannot get your toddler to stop hitting, it may be time to look for more in-depth assistance.