A mom writes in asking for advice about her two-year-old toddler. She says her son has taken to hitting her (or someone else) when he’s angry, mad, and/or annoyed. This mom has tried to stop the behavior by telling him “no” when he hits, but that tends to make the hitting worse, and she says he even will hit himself. Any advice for this mom on how to get a toddler to stop hitting his parents or relatives?
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A member of the community asks:
“How can I stop my 2-year-old from hitting me when he is mad?
Hello! I have a 2-year-old son, he has this habit of hitting me or someone when he’s mad or annoyed. When we’re trying to say stop he just making it worse and hitting us or himself more. May I know what can I do to stop this habit of him?”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants to Teach Her Toddler to Stop Hitting
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary: Tips on How to Get a Toddler to Stop Hitting His Parents and Himself from the Community
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“My son did this. When he hit me I told him that I didn’t want to be around him when he hits, and walked away. Took a bit of time, but finally worked.”
“Is he verbal? It may be the frustration of not being able to communicate what he wants.”
“When he hits, try putting him in time out for hitting, and when he is done doing his time out, explain to him that he was put in time out for hitting and that hitting is wrong.”
“My 4 & 1/2 year old just started this. I think it may have to do with quarantine. And not seeing her friends.”
“If he is speaking, then put him on a time out each time he steps out of line. Then warn him of the consequences and follow through with it. If he is still screaming, then explain to him why his behaviour is unacceptable and place him in his room until he has calmed down.”
“You need to first, explain that hitting isn’t okay, it doesn’t get you what you want. Also, ask him if he would like if you hit him? If Everytime you got upset if you hit him, how would he feel? He will most likely say he wouldn’t like it. You need to make them realize that no matter how they are feeling inside, hurting others is never okay, to never do what you don’t want done to you. He’s young but the more you instill it, the faster he will learn. Good luck mama.”
“Hold his hands and softly say ‘no hitting, that hurts Mommy.’ Then show him how to touch softly.”
“Hits himself too? Sorry. That doesn’t sound right. Please get a check-up in case it’s something that needs to be corrected with medication. Chemical imbalances can have us thinking that there is something seriously wrong with us when it is something that can be managed.”
“Cry theatrically. Make him feel guilty.”
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