Stop Toddler Hitting

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of being a parent is discipline.  That’s both disciplining your child, and disciplining yourself.  It takes discipline to correct lovingly during a toddler hitting incident.  Here are a few great tips to help prepare you ahead of time…

1. Put your hands on your child’s shoulders and get down to their eye level, then calmly tell them that “hitting is not okay” and tell them “you understand they are frustrated or angry, but hitting is not a good choice to deal with that situation”.  Then model for them a good choice they can make in that situation.

2. With younger children and toddlers (under 4), give them a hug before removing them from the situation. This demonstrates a loving way to deal with the situation, and hugging them does not reinforce the bad behavior.

3. Show your toddler, don’t just tell them, hitting is not good.  Take them by the hand and show them “soft” touches.

4. Be an example.  Control your anger and frustration, especially towards your child.  It’s abuse to hit your child out of anger.  If a spanking is necessary, make sure you’ve taken the time to collect yourself emotionally and physically, then communicate clearly and honestly that you love your child and you don’t enjoy spanking them, but that there are consequences to disobeying.

Hug your kids often and let them know they’re loved.

Tags: stop toddler hitting tips, toddler hitting