Toddler hitting others for no reason. " This begins to teach empathy to your child.

Toddler hitting others for no reason Don’t ignore the hitting or ignore your child because they hit. He no longer does. The important thing to understand is regardless of the reasoning of your toddler hitting, your child is not hitting you to hurt you. One reason is limited impulse Oct 25, 2021 · When your child pinches another child, get into the situation quickly. But how? Well, that depends (first) on WHY your child is biting and hitting and (second) if he or she has a clear understanding of right and wrong. Trying to talk through it — or, even worse, meeting or exceeding the intense energy of a child’s explosion — will likely only worsen things. Explain the rules. Hold them and explain, “No hitting. Apr 20, 2021 · Never hit your child in response to their hit and make sure they’re not watching any TV or consuming other media where they are seeing hitting that they want to imitate. Mar 11, 2021 · You’ve heard the stories of preschoolers taking a bite out of one another on the playground and personally witnessed a feisty 2-year-old hit their mother in the middle of a supermarket tantrum. Keep a Dec 12, 2024 · 6. Is it normal for toddlers to laugh for no reason? Jan 8, 2025 · To discipline a child effectively, techniques such as redirecting misbehavior, giving attention, and using time-outs aim to guide children toward appropriate behavior rather than punish them. Saying "don't hit" is hard for them. A pediatric psychologist explains how to help. Older toddlers Older toddlers with larger vocabularies and greater experience may be more ready to learn to understand how their actions affect others. Tell your child how "grown-up" they are acting when they behave in appropriate ways, rather than hitting, kicking or biting. I believe its more of play hitting then bully hitting as the daycare describes it. If your child hits another child, immediately separate them and tend to the other child before addressing your child. When a Why do kids hit? Many parents have asked themselves this question and the answer isn’t always an easy one. It’s also important to talk to your children about aggression during a calm moment. Sep 25, 2024 · 6. Since they cannot use words to express things clearly, they resort to hitting to gain attention. Parenting: Toddlers may hit when they are not receiving consistent and appropriate discipline from caregivers. Now that we’ve talked about what you shouldn’t do when it comes to your toddler’s hitting or biting, let’s discuss what you If your child’s tantrums meet the following criteria, it’s likely time to seek additional support: Tantrums happen nearly every day. My other two children do not hit. And although the boy and girl brain are pretty much the same, girls’ social and language skills May 24, 2021 · This is referred to as a toddler hitting phase. Give them words to use or alternative actions to take. Oct 4, 2023 · Toddlers may hit, flail, yell, or scream when frustrated, especially during a temper tantrum. Reasoning can only go so far, so Apr 2, 2013 · Toddlers and hitting is a common challenge for parents, so much so it's often referred to as a behavior problem. This method is especially suitable if a child cries for no reason. At times, she just wanted to play, but didn’t know how to say it. Use Visual Cues: Visual reminders, like “gentle hands” posters, help toddlers understand expectations. They may also hit if they have not learned appropriate ways to express their needs and wants. The Perfect Storm: Factors That Fuel the Fire Understanding why your toddler hits is half the battle. 10 Steps to Stop Your Child from Hitting Other Kids How to communicate with your child and prevent them from lashing out. But babies and toddlers may hit others for no apparent reason as well. Emphasize that you still love him, but it is never okay to hit others, and there are consequences for doing so. It is wrong. While toddlers hitting others could be a scary stage for a child and parent, there are ways to work through it together. " This begins to teach empathy to your child. It’s one behavior moms screech about, and often this is the behavior that makes us lose our temper the most. Aug 14, 2023 · For this and other reasons, you should never hit or spank your child for any reason. It's important to not spank, hit, or slap your child. At home, when he misbehave we put him in time out and he hates it. Below are three reasons your child might be hitting. It means nothing about their love or respect towards me. I can help my child by giving them more sensory input to help them balance their bodies. There are a lot of picture books that help. Let me explain why your toddler is hitting… 1. These can feature episodes of crying, kicking, stomping, hitting and pushing that last five to 10 minutes, says Denis Sukhodolsky, PhD, a clinical psychologist with Yale Medicine Child Study Center. Why Your Toddler Does Not Need to Share With Others. You can’t avoid the biting phase, but you can make it shorter and easier — on both you and your toddler. Once the other child is okay, hold your son while you apologize to the child he pushed. I’ve noticed it’s not about sharing a play structure or them being in his way either. Do not be fooled by your child. The tantrums start to become aggressive — when a child hits, kicks, bites others or themselves and/or breaks things during the tantrum. Begins acting aggressively following a traumatic episode or major life change. Part of executive function includes a child being able to inhibit impulsive behaviour, and some self-regulation skills include a child being patient for what they want and regulating strong feelings. 5 year old is an amazing kid - so kind, happy and fun. Jan 13, 2025 · Toddler Aggression Towards Mother: If your toddler is progressively getting worse and continues to: Bite, kick, scream and yell at others excessively, Throw violent uncontrollable temper tantrums about every small thing, Hit’s themselves or others all the time, find difficulty playing with other children without constant disruptive behaviour, 7. The parent absolutely should’ve addressed it with you, your child and their child. It hurt Emily when you hit her. Jan 11, 2025 · Toddlers may hit as a way to test boundaries and see what they can get away with. By the age of two, toddlers have better motor control than they once did. Even the smartest know-it-all moms feel lost when it comes to their toddler hitting and pushing another child. I am a mum of four and my eldest used to bite when he was two. Before you figure out why your toddler is hitting, it’s important to answer a few questions. And this response—avoiding the aggressive child—is understandable, for it’s frightening to see kids whose anger has reached a point where it seems out of control. When addressing toddler hitting, it is essential to remain calm and neutral. Okay, maybe right now you’re not sure how you can help your child stop his aggressive behavior. Tantrums continue frequently past the peak age (2-3 years old). Question: I have a 14-month-old son and recently bought your book Positive Discipline, The First Three Years as he began to really start to show his little personality and I realized wow, I need help! I finished it tonight but still have a question and really wanted your opinion about the issue of hitting. com's Ask Your Mom advice columnist, Emily Edlynn, Ph. A wide range of interests, from football to insects to baking. It is extremely normal for toddlers to hit because it can meet all three needs at once. Remain calm, validate, and support your toddler to help them regulate. Toddler laughter may also be a way to communicate delight and bond with caregivers before verbal skills develop. This behavior is typical with children of 1 to 3 years of age. In these cases there may be no Nov 19, 2014 · Biting and hitting are common problems during the toddler years, and whether your child is on the giving or receiving end, your goal is the same: you want the behavior to stop. Why do toddlers hit or bite? Young kids have almost no self-control, and toddlers can’t develop much of a sense of compassion, either, until around age three. " How to respond to my child when they hit for this reason? Think the following thoughts: My child is hitting me in an attempt to take care of their sensory system. But really, getting toddlers to stop hitting often comes down to understanding the reasons toddlers hit, understanding how hitting make us parents feel. This part of the brain doesn't become active until about age three and it does not mature until about age 25. Help them learn words and other helpful ways to communicate (sign language, pictures, etc. To stop a toddler from hitting, it is important to remain calm and consistent in your approach. If, despite your best efforts, your son smacks or pushes another child, take a deep breath and stay calm. Children aren't mentally developed enough to register the opposites of what you're saying. However, it happens. Dec 16, 2018 · WHY DO TODDLERS HIT? Toddlers hit for a variety of reasons. Jul 11, 2021 · Reply Kat 2022-05-18 at 7:31 PM. If we could respond to very out of balance behaviour with some of the same qualities that we respond to physical illness, we’d Mar 30, 2019 · Sensory Seeking: Think about whether your toddler tends to hit “for no reason” or if they regularly engage in other sensory seeking behaviors, like crashing into things or spinning. Mar 3, 2023 · In a minute,a child will be carried away by the conversation and there will be no trace of a desire to cry. Feb 20, 2024 · Parents naturally tend to try to reason their kids out of outbursts, but that rarely works. Sep 27, 2022 · 7 Tips To Stop Your Toddler Hitting Others For No Reason Talk To Them. Hi guys, My 2 years old son keeps hitting me and everyone at home. Keep an eye on your growing child’s behavior: If the hitting continues as your child grows up, you need to rule out other developmental issues. ” You might also want to send a text message or a short phone call to the other parent if necessary. McKitrick said there are three big don’ts when toddlers hit: Hitting back, yelling, and withholding attention as punishment. Infants’ unprovoked acts of force toward others. If you are the only adult, ignore your son and tend to the other child. If you know your child is prone to hitting keep an extra eye on them around other kids It’s only fair to other children to make the effort to be particularly vigilant and ready to intervene if problems occur. Our son, is a very happy toddler but lately when he gets angry he will hit me and my Jun 15, 2018 · 8. Dec 4, 2018 · The No. " For a young child (2-3 years) say, "I know you are angry, but don't hit. For example, if your child is hitting their head with a book, you might swap the book for a pillow. Shows a preoccupation with aggressive themes in pretend play. Using Eye Contact. See: How to Discipline a Child Without Hitting or Yelling. In a steady voice, explain to your child that hitting, biting, kicking, and other aggressive behaviors are wrong. Tantrums and aggressive behaviours—hitting, kicking, scratching, and biting—don’t mean you’re a bad parent, but they are a call to action. For example, if your child’s sibling, friend or classmate has a toy they want and your child physically obtains the toy by hitting or grabbing, they have learned a lesson. As a teacher I’ve had MANY autistic students of varying abilities and there is no reason that an autistic child/teen should be “allowed” to hit a toddler. Discipline won’t work for a 1-year-old the way it will for a 4-year-old. Jan 26, 2012 · Often, even well-meaning parents don't understand their child's angry behavior. Kids are too young to learn how to control their impulse and have no understanding about which behaviour is right or wrong. If your toddler does head toward an unacceptable or dangerous object, calmly say "No" and either remove your child from the area or the dangerous item from reach, or distract them with another activity. May 16, 2023 · Here are some helpful ways to get your toddler to stop hitting other kids. Never hit your child for hitting someone else. Practice “gentle touch” at times other than when the child is hitting or biting. This is why we cannot pull any strategy out of a book, off a website, or from your neighbor and expect it to work for your son or daughter. 25 COMMENTS Fourth, give the child other options for the future. ' With older kids, you can brainstorm other solutions of how they can ask for help with their words instead of using their Nov 13, 2023 · If your child is hitting, kicking, or trying to run away, hold them until they calm down. " To help your child manage their Is it normal for toddlers to hit? Why is my toddler hitting? All kids have Three Basic Needs: power, experience and connection. Aug 14, 2023 · While being told that your child has been hitting other children at preschool can be troubling, aggressive behaviours are fairly normal at this age. Sep 13, 2023 · But as babies grow from infants to toddlers, they develop more emotions and opinions. May 17, 2023 · Is your toddler cultivating the habit of hitting others? Do they swing their fist at other babies for no reason? That may be a thing of impulse control. ” No phones, no computers, no multitasking, no distractions. Posted Jun 07, 2013 . Comfort the child who is hurt. Apr 2, 2021 · To really keep a toddler from hitting, parents need to double down on kindness and help their child practice acceptable ways of expressing their anger. Jun 20, 2023 · Even as a child begins to learn gentle and kind ways to interact with a cat, they may still randomly strike out at the animal for no apparent reason. ” 8. 7. I suggest the series by Martine Agassi “Hands are Not for Hitting” as well. “Any extra talking, any extra touching, any more stimulus only adds fuel to the fire,” Olsen says. When you do so, you are teaching them that hitting is an acceptable response to another person's actions. Having a clear strategy when tackling behavioural problems will demonstrate to your child that you can help to hold their feelings while protecting their other relationships. But how much aggression is too much, and what can you do about it? Mar 27, 2023 · Tell your toddler, "No hitting. EMAIL. For instance, is a sensory problem (like aversion to light or noise) triggering the episodes. Lecturing, yelling, punishing, and shaming to make the child feel like a bad kid are harmful rather than helpful. Turns out, toddlers are very efficient at meeting their needs 🙂 . Start with Values. Why is my Toddler Hitting Others For No Reason? Your toddler may hit others because they’re either angry or frustrated for a definite reason. We’ve compiled a few tips to help. Why Do Toddlers Hit? There are several reasons why toddlers hit. He's high energy sometimes - running around like a lunatic :D but also loves colouring and building towers etc. This may mean moving to a timeout, or discussing with your doctor or psychologist other behavior management options. Certain responses, such as redirection or prevention, may help. The reason for 2nd or 3rd time hitting is a bit impulse control but also if you aren't fixing the thing that is frustrating them they're still frustrated and will keep hitting. As far as the other child’s mother’s reaction, I’d just assure her you are addressing the issue. Through play therapy and supportive parenting, you can help your child develop healthier ways to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with others. 9 Quirky Toddler Next, try to comfort and attend to the other child. It may have been a problem of communication, or it may have been a situation that required an adult from the start. Mar 23, 2019 · When you say "don't push" or "don't hit" the child first imagines hitting or pushing their playmate. With compassion yet to be fully developed, hitting can happen without intent or awareness of the impact on others. Jun 21, 2022 · Your job is to teach your child to respond differently and better. Mar 2, 2022 · Rewarding good behavior is better than punishing bad behavior. Your toddler is crying for a reason and is trying to communicate something to you. Here are a few top reasons why your toddler may hit: For attention; Out of anger or frustration; They think it’s funny; They don’t understand it hurts someone; Lack of expression in other ways (ie: your toddler hits 2 days ago · Unlike the child who just isn’t considering consequences of his actions, kids with CD are intentionally malicious, and the treatment and prognosis are quite different. The daycare does not put kids in timeout, they only redirect bad behavior. Here we are, trying to raise kind, considerate humans and suddenly our toddler is hitting, biting or hurting others! It can leave many parents wondering what to do and how to nip this behaviour in the bud. To stop your 5-year-old from hitting at school, you should teach them how to deal with emotions using other Sep 8, 2023 · Toddlers hit for various reasons, including frustration, lack of communication skills, and imitation of aggressive behavior. As they grow they eventually outgrow it. It might be an area of shame and desperation for you, if your child is hitting you or others. Toddler Hitting Others for No Reason: Even if it seems like there’s no reason for the hitting, it often stems from overstimulation. Clinicians don’t want to Hitting, pushing, pulling is a part of playdates or almost any area where you put 3 kids together with some toys. Why do toddlers laugh so much? Toddlers tend to laugh frequently due to rapid brain development. I’ve seen him walk up to another toddler and just hit them for no reason! Sep 5, 2024 · If your child sees other people hitting each other, whether older children or adults, she is more likely to think of hitting as acceptable. Give praise and genuine affection when your child behaves in ways you like, such as being kind and gentle. So if he hit grandpa with the car, I would model gentle hands and nicely handing it over, then have him do it and reiterate no hitting. Most children outgrow this behavior by kindergarten. Self-control: Toddlers may hit when they are struggling with impulse control. Jan 8, 2024 · When it comes to communicating with a child who is screaming for no reason, there are a few strategies that can be effective. With your child, comment how the other child is feeling by saying, “Peter is crying because you hurt him by pinching. He feels frustrated afterwards, because he doesn't like to be out of control, and he doesn't like the result of his hitting (his brother will no longer play with him). Rachel explains that toddler brains are gut driven, impulsive and too often put strong feelings straight into action. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and finding effective ways to address it is crucial for both the child’s development and the well-being of those around them. "We don't hurt each other. ). That hurts mommy. Our 2. Time-outs remove children Aug 31, 2023 · They are also learning that they are separate individuals from their caregivers and want to assert their independence. Apologize to the child and the parents. Give logical consequences. Create a Calm Environment: Reduce loud or overwhelming activities. Instead of lashing out, they should be learning to control fear by using other methods such as breathing. Teach appropriate alternative behaviors that help them get their needs met. Reply reply MrsSamsquanch Aug 6, 2020 · When it comes to hitting and hurting others, it's important to understand there are five primary reasons that toddlers demonstrate aggression. Apr 4, 2016 · Time when they decide what you do together and you just do what they want (within reason, but make it a big range of “within reason. Toddlers can also hit others for no good reason, and you will need to learn how to deal with that. Encourage your child to do another activity Supporting a child who struggles with hitting, kicking, or hurting others requires patience, understanding, and proactive intervention. 1 reason that children hit is that their brains are taking a little longer to mature. They Haven’t Learned How to Share Yet It’s not unusual for a child younger than 4 to have as many as nine tantrums per week. "(My son) is so sorry he hit you. Sometimes kids hit because there is an underlying issue that’s causing them to hit. While I immediately thought that she was just being rude, I realized maybe she just wanted that child to play with her. If you want to teach her that hitting is not acceptable, you must make sure that no one in your family is hitting each other at any time, for any reason. If your child tends to be aggressive, it is critical to eliminate all physical punishment, such as spanking. He was mad and he forgot to use his words. SHARE. On occasion though he will hit the other kid. Do NOT hit a child if he or she is hitting others. First, set clear rules that hitting is unacceptable behavior. Jun 25, 2024 · Toddler tantrums are normal, but if your toddler is struggling to relate to peers or causing disruptions, you may need to step in. Mar 25, 2024 · But it’s still important to try to figure out the reason they’re acting out physically, and discourage the behavior. As new neurological pathways form, it can trigger laughter spells. If temper tantrums start to get aggressive, either to the child, someone else or property, then we have to intervene. Hurry up a child: "Let's finish crying quickly, grandmother is coming to visit us. They hit or behaved aggressively and got what they wanted! 3. " Avoid lecturing, since your toddler probably isn't capable of imagining themself in another child's place or changing their behavior based on verbal reasoning. Jan 20, 2020 · At other, calmer times. Understand why toddlers hit, and then positively reinforce times when they react in a better way. If you think your little one is a sensory-seeker, the trick to get them to stop hitting is actually pretty simple: Teach them to give a high five instead! Oct 3, 2023 · What not to do when toddlers hit. Feb 20, 2024 · "With toddlers, I read the book Hands Are Not for Hitting and bring up the situation earlier in the day. The parent-child relationship can be tested when difficult situations arise. Address the hitting immediately When your child lashes out physically, address the behavior right away: Aug 30, 2023 · Hitting also is sure to get a reaction, and even a negative reaction can provide the attention many little kids crave. Praise them for any attempts to communicate difficult emotions. It can be awkward to be the parent of a toddler hitting others for no reason. Questions to ask May 6, 2021 · Towner says, “Have your child hit a pillow, stuffed animal, or other soft objects. Remember to model positive behavior and praise your child when they exhibit good behavior. Aug 5, 2024 · Your child may simply see hitting as a means to an end. Hitting your child only teaches him that it is fine to hit if you are bigger. Jan 16, 2022 · It also is deeply hurtful for kids and impairs the parent-child relationship. 'Remember when you hit Mommy when I wouldn't let you watch another show? Hands aren't for hitting. Mar 20, 2024 · So, if your child suddenly starts crying for seemingly no reason, here are ways to deal with the stop-and-go tears. Sep 28, 2011 · I have one child who has an extremely quick temper and he occasionally hits. Toddler behavior issues should progressively reduce over the years. We can also move to other ways to manage the frustration, as a child gets older. Dahl A. References. These strategies include using eye contact, teaching inside voice, and utilizing sign language. Hitting hurts. You have to know the #1 reason YOUR child is hitting in order to come up with an appropriate strategy to eliminate it. " Supervise your child carefully and watch for conflicts with playmates. Don’t worry, there’s hope yet! Here are some tips and guidelines you can use to help your child stop hitting and biting: Observe your child: You watch your child like a hawk at all times to make sure they are safe, but this is even more than that. Instead, positive methods Jun 7, 2023 · Upset: Toddlers may hit when they are upset or frustrated. Jan 5, 2024 · Executive function and self-regulation skills are also important for helping minimise behaviours such as hitting and pulling. You can use many other consequences to help teach your child right from wrong. Your toddler will learn that they will only get your attention if they are behaving well. When a child is aggressive toward others—hitting, screaming, pushing, throwing things—the natural response of others is to avoid this child. No one likes when their child is hurt. It’s typically not an older kid either, it’s a child who is his age or younger. He used to hit frequently. Toddlers have little to no impulse control and when they are excited or bored they may hit, kick, throw objects, or scream despite having been taught more appropriate behaviors. I would see her walk over to a random kid and whack him over the head for no reason. D. They’ve seen hitting modeled by others. I try to stop him but he is least bothered 😕 what… The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, is a part of the brain that allows for logical thoughts, high-level reason, and the ability to regulate big emotions in the face of a threat or challenge. So, if they've ever received positive reinforcement for aggressive behavior Nov 14, 2024 · Your child needs you to help them change rather than demand they change. If your child fails to understand consequence, even if his disability were more visible, yes the father would rightly be as mad because you the parent are negligent bringing your hitting child out in the public and endangering other children. They will listen and give you answers as to why they might be hitting for no reason. Don’t hit your child or smack their hand in retaliation. When your child calms down, talk about the rules with them. Related: How to Handle Toddler Biting. This is called “redirection” and can be a wonderful tool in your parenting tool kit. This communicates to your child that all feelings are OK, but that they need to be expressed in a safe way. Feb 9, 2023 · Toddlers may hit others due to their lack of impulse control. One effective way to communicate with a child who is screaming for no reason is to use eye contact. Be sure the child understands that they have these options and should use them first. Jan 5, 2017 · Most toddlers get aggressive sometimes. When a Child Hurts Other Children Apr 18, 2017 · After a child has tried biting or hitting once, it’s common to see the behaviour repeated. Aug 22, 2022 · What to do if your child hits you or others. Jan 9, 2025 · Parents may feel helpless and frustrated when their toddler hitting others for no reason. Injury And sometimes there are organic reasons for aggressive outbursts, when a child has frontal lobe damage or certain types of epilepsy. Pay little or no attention to the child who hit. Instead of frustration, your child should be asking for help. Jill Lehmann Photography/Getty Images Repetition and patience. Mar 4, 2010 · toddler hitting others for NO reason 12 replies mummywizz · 04/03/2010 20:49 My 2yr 10 mth old DS hits and pushes other children (regardless of age) for no other Aug 28, 2023 · I'm new to Mumsnet, having just googled "toddler hitting others for no reason" and being brought here. You’ll also find other parents are more forgiving when the worst happens if you’ve been watching out for problems. Redirection involves shifting focus from undesirable to acceptable behaviors while paying positive attention to reinforce desired actions and encouraging learning through praise. Addressing Toddler Hitting. May be 50-60 times in a day. A child in aggression may be disobedient, show temper tantrums, may get violent, hit or bite others, use bad language and cause destruction of things. Apr 4, 2023 · Tips to help stop biting. But it can lead to feelings of resentment, shame, and judgment. Aug 30, 2023 · My Child Won't Stop Hitting Other Children at Daycare Aggressive behavior in young children is normal but not acceptable, says Parents. An aggressive child is a stressed child, but aggression is the behaviour that generally elicits the least care and empathy from adults, but sadly it’s when they need our sensitivity the most. Toddlers may not have the language skills to express their feelings, so they may resort to hitting or other aggressive behavior. If your child is biting themselves, you could give them a snack or chewing toy instead. Modeling: Toddlers may hit when they see others hitting or engaging in aggressive behavior. Temper tantrums are normal for very young children, and lashing out with angry words is typical for adolescents. Aug 9, 2023 · Toddlers may experience hitting behavior at some point in their development due to their limited impulse control and understanding of emotions. Finally, address the child who was aggressive: For a toddler (1-2 years) say, "No hitting. In general, a toddler’s reasons for hitting are innocent enough and typically fall Mar 11, 2023 · Toddler crying and tantrums are a normal and healthy phase of development. They say he just hits for no reason. The foundation of any discipline, whether it be for an aggressive toddler that hits or any other kid, should be a set of well-established and well-communicated values. Quick crying. Wilkinson says that Nathaniel had been bitten a few times by another child at daycare. Works well with younger children (2-3 years old). Other parenting approaches increase a child’s tendency to hit, too. Jan 9, 2020 · Another reason why my daughter would friendly-hit was for play. TWEET. Just you and the child, doing whatever it is they want to do. What’s the Reason? Jan 14, 2025 · The child can’t be younger than 6 or older than 18, and the onset of symptoms must have been before 10; The reason DMDD can’t be diagnosed before a child is six — even though parents usually say the behavior was present in toddlers — is that tantrums are still part of normal development at that point. . Category : Toddler Learn & Play, Parenting, Toddler Sep 22, 2024 · If your child’s hitting is frequent, intense, or causing harm to themselves or others, it might be time to dig a little deeper. They way we react to children hitting can either fuel the problem or lead towards better connection and helping our child learn The reason your child is hitting is based on his learning history and skills. Feb 1, 2021 · Engages in unprovoked hitting; acts aggressively “out of the blue” or for no reason you can see. ” Indeed, it’s important for parents to validate their kids’ feelings, explains New York psychotherapist Lesley Koeppel . For younger children, those between 18 months and 2 years, keep it simple. When your toddler hits out, the first thing to do is stop what you are both doing and ask them why they did it. To teach your child empathy, say "I know you're angry, but don't hit. And though it seems like the toddler is hitting for no reason, the truth is it often becomes a way for them to express those emotions. Don’t yell at your child. So remember that a hitting or biting toddler is not Oct 18, 2024 · When toddlers are going through a hitting phase, it is incredibly challenging. It is better to say things like "Play nice," "Hands to yourself" and other positive words like that. Can you remember a time when someone hit you? How did that make you feel? Forcing an apology doesn’t teach empathy. May 13, 2024 · Remove items that are causing your child harm, and give them a safer alternative. Hitting doesn’t mean your child is mean or a bully. Toddlers are developing emotions and don’t know fully how to deal with them. Aug 7, 2020 · The daycare has been reporting that he has been hitting other children. Toddlers may cry because they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. ikxvu qwjoqn dnpra eqtxscjy elnha fvgpq ujyeq tyey ncww gsbh