My daughter recently started hitting herself in the face. Like really slapping it. We tell her not to hit herself and others but she has learned this behavior from daycare. She began hitting me and her friend outside of school but we are slowing stopping that. She knows its not good to hit and says "don't hit" as she does it. I noticed her getting frustrated and upset and she did it worse than before. I've also watched her do it in perfectly good spirits to be funny. I've done research where this is normal and some say to ignore and others say to hug and tell the child you love them and not to hit themselves. Please help because no matter how small it is heartbreaking!
I've talked to my coworkers/her teachers and they said she does not hit herself at school. With their advice and the advice on here we've been ignoring it and its becoming less of a thrill. In a day we've seen a small improvement. Thank you everyone!
The more attention you give to any negative behavior the more that negative behavior will be repeated or last. I know it's frustrating to watch her hit herself but honestly she will figure it out soon -- hitting hurts. She will stop hitting herself. When she hits you or others grab her hand firmly but gently and say NO {raised voice - not yelling} but firmly.
I don't know if it's the same thing, but my daughter spent a good bit of time biting herself (her lower arms/wrists) right around the time she turned 2, especially when we'd be walking our dog and she was in the stroller. We stopped, got down to her level, made eye contact while holding her hands, and very firmly told her not to bite herself, that it hurts, and that we love her every time she did it. She is just turning 2 1/2, and she hasn't done it in months (I had all but forgotten, in fact). I hope your daughter's hitting is just exploration, too, and that it passes quickly. Good luck, mama!
between this question and the other question about bed time it sounds like you have a in charge two year old. lay the law down. when its bed time set a limit of two books or even one, say good night hugs, tuck in, sweet dreams and walk out of the room. if she is still yelling for you say loudly enough for her to hear you . no talking. anytime she yells for you tell her not talking. then if she continues to yell for you dont say anything she will settle down.
When the kids hit anyone or themselves I would constantly tell them no hitting if they did it again time out for the same amount of years they are. since she is two she can sit in time out for two mins.
also take care of the amount of sugar and juice she drinks. these are bad behavior foods for our kids and they act badly. when they get enough sleep and eat healthy they are kinder kids!
