Ideas on How to Stop My Toddler from Hitting

Hi,
I had the same problem with my youngest! His Dr. gave me some advice that worked. Its a toughie though, be prepared!

When he hits you do this everytime: gently grab him by the shoulders, look him straight in the face and say, "Ow! That hurt Mommy, I don't want you, go away"! Then you have to turn him around and give him a little push THEN you have to ignore him for a minute or two. Walk away from him if you have to.

I won't lie, its hard to do! The kids' first instinct is to immediately come straight to you apologizing but, you gotta stand firm for that minute or two! Then, grab him up ask him if he's sorry and hug the stuffing out of him!

Teaches them very quickly that hurting people has consequences! Worked for us, my son doesn't hit me anymore for any reason! Now, his older brother on the other hand....... ;-)

Thats a hard one....you're doing what i was thinking to suggest...i've learned you just have to be consistant with him. Maybe there is something he just loves like a toy or cartoons or something of that nature, you can- take it away (and make him give it to you if it's an object)every time he hits. My daughter loved juice, so if she was bad no juice! She hated it! Good luck....remember be consistant!

R.,
I am no expert and once heard of an therapist talk about how we as humans need to get emotions out of the body. There are 3 ways. Children express all of them very well. Look at a tempertantrum. The child stomps his feet, hits with his hands and yells!
That is how the body releases the emotions that are coming to a head. We are taught to control them and I am sure that we all have noticed from time to time adults expressing frustration in the exact same ways!
That is why it is key to run or some kind of physical exercise, even for children. writting or drawing is a great way to release.....and teaching our children a healthy way to release!

It is ok to release in a responsible way! That is the key

I am a married and a mother of 4 and we work on this daily!

keep me posted :)
T.
www.tesabartell.myarbonne.com

I kind of wonder..what's the situation like in which he hits? When frustrated? Or looking at you and laughing/smiling as he does it? As a teacher of special ed...I know all behavior has a motive. Find the motive, and alter the kid's behavior in achieving the goal. (even if it just expressing anger/frustration)