How To Stop A Toddler That Hits

This may sound a bit odd to read but when toddlers act out in such ways of hitting or biting this is normal for toddlers to do at this age. Now of course I am not saying that we have to condone what they are doing because it is wrong and the toddler does need to learn that is not the way to express what they want or how to get attention. The toddler needs to know that this behavior will attract negative attention and not the kind that will make them happy. Some parents laugh at the situation and think oh that is cute at first. This action may become more aggressive and harder. The toddler will start to hit others as well not just you. If there are other children in the home the toddler will think that it is okay to go up to anyone they please and just strike. Laughing at this situation is only asking for matters to become worse and more frustrating for you. Below are some tips on how to stop a toddler that hits before it becomes a serious problem.

Stopping Your Toddler From Hitting People

1. The most important thing that you want to remember is to stop the toddler from hitting as soon as it happens. Grab their wrists, without hurting them and get eye level with the toddler tell them in a stern voice No you do not hit anyone, that is not nice. You can be mad but putting your hands on someone is not nice at all.
2. If the child is still fussing do not let go of them until they have calmed down. Now if you let go and the toddler should hit again then grab their wrists again until the hitting has stopped no matter how long it takes.
3. You NEVER want to hit the child back. Doing so is showing the toddler that it is okay to hit. This action may cause a great deal of confusion to the child. You do not want to do that and hitting is not the way to handle any situation you may be experiencing with any age child.
4. As soon as the toddler has calmed themselves down now is when you can give them love hugs and kisses. You will want to tell them that is a good job. I am proud of you for calming down
5. If the toddler should start the hitting again try redirecting them to something else. This is of course after you hold their wrists and explain to them what they did is not good. Take them to another toy or point them in the direction of something else to do.
6. If none of this is working and the toddler is still hitting again do step 1 and then give the child a time out, whether it be in their room, corner, or on a couch for just a few minutes. Ask them if they are able to speak why they got punishes and hen the toddler gives you the right answer praise them for that and explain how bad it is to hit. It makes people sad and it hurts others as well as it not being a nice action
7. You can even take something that they like a lot away from them until their actions change. Make sure whatever method you choose to do you explain why and what you are doing so they understand what is going on.
8. When the toddler hits you instead of getting mad and lashing out at them try to pick them up and put the toddler on your lap. Explain to them that what they have just done was not nice, we do not put our hands on people unless we are hugging or shaking hands. Then show them by taking their hands how to rub the face or area that they hit and say nice, see this is nice and do this action to their cheek or hand. Tell them to rub mom or dad this is so much nicer then smacking me

These are just a few methods you can try and work on your toddler with. As I have said above I know this can be a very frustrating situation but do not hit back or spank all that will do is confuse the toddler more and cause them to become angry and maybe even more aggressive. The child just might even fear you, and that is definitely not something you want to happen. We want our baby's to love us and play. Not fear and shudder at the sight of a hug in thought that you are coming to spank them