If you're a parent, then chances are that at some point in time, your toddler has hit you. If it hasn't happened yet, consider yourself lucky. Toddlers have an uncanny ability to learn how to hit before they've even learned how to speak properly. It's no secret that parenting is hard work and trying to figure out how to handle a toddler that hits can be daunting.
But don't worry, we've got your back! In this article, we'll provide some practical tips on how to defeat the hitting habit and teach your toddler appropriate ways of handling his emotions without resorting to violence.
Understand Why Children Hit
Before we dive into specific strategies for handling hitting, it's important first and foremost to understand why children hit. Knowing why can help you empathize with their behaviour in difficult situations.
Lack of Communication Skills
At such a young age, toddlers have limited communication capabilities because they lack expressive language abilities or simply cannot convey their message effectively through words. So when frustration sets in due to inability communicate what they want clearly so as attention from parents or others around them (Siblings included), they may lash out physically towards people or objects within range.
Copying Behavior Of Others
Kids are impressionable beings who will copy behaviors/values/vibes shown by siblings/parents/peers if these actions persist long enough around them ; thus watching someone who throws tantrums often starting at home scenario would lead eventually make another child instinctively respond similarly exhibiting similar behavior such throwing things/hitting when confronted with unpleasant situation - an example being told off for breaking family rules OR not getting something right multiple times despite guidance provided by Caregiver(s).
Now let's move onto some effective strategies for managing your child’s challenging behaviours:
React Calmly To Aggressive Behavior
When you get hit or slapped, your natural instinct might be to lash out in anger at your child for his hitting habit. But that's not the most effective reaction. Instead of reacting harshly, try to react calmly and according to the situation by doing any of these:
- Try moving toddler away from provocation
- Remove hands gently but firmly from where they made contact /Away
- Acknowledge the reason behind their behaviour
- "It seems like you're feeling upset because we had to leave the playground earlier today."
A chaotic environment would add tension and stimulate more aggressive behavior(s), so if possible move them away quietly as quick as possible/ place yourself in between them while addressing issue at hand (calming kid down) .
Be Consistent with Communication
During attempts to quell your angry child’s behavior, always convey consistent responses when interacting with her/him; by using repetitive phrases such as ”no hitting” + their name, then explaining what they done wrong before telling about consequences should be enough for him/her understand there are repercussions every time they act up similarly.
This repetition shows unity fr fact everyone on same page/same mindset reminding an individual consistently why he/she will get scolded each time something diminish conduct displayed from experience surrounding how other children behave/do things around us./Constant reminding starts establishing it into their psyche overtime
Teach Alternative Ways To Express Frustration
As noted above, physical expressions are a symptom of lack real communication skills due development stage one is within adding communication skills becomes first priority fro caregiver(s) since it helps eliminate frustration overload that leads frustration eventually leading aggression thus verbal non-violent solutions proposed such as:
Verbal Rebuttals
Kids love being heard and understood and will respond well if parents actively listen attentively speak slowly/style used engaging level appreciated by toddlers maintain engagement/participation throughout discussion point without making long speeches.
”I see that you're frustrated! I understand it must be hard not getting what you want but hitting isn't acceptable. How about using your words to tell me what you need?"
Creative Expression
Toddlers exhibit great enthusiasm and fun tendency personalized experiences such as color, dance when always enghouarge creativity can add emotional outlet to the mix idea for having them draw/write/ sing/play instruments could assuage outbursts if they eventually arise - helps relieve tension without going all Hulk-smash / violent expression of frustration with other objects/people.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
As a way of encouraging better decision-making abilities in future, it is important to consider pointing out examples of positive behaviours displayed by child from time-to-time used either through verbal rewards/prizes or even rarer choices:
- Offering snacks after completing task
- Pizza party once week
Positive reinforcement goes long way and kids will make effort changing bad habits only whey recognize appreciate their good habit(s) before next development stage kicks in where emotions+choices become much complicated therefore giving head-start learning now sure helpful achieving visible results due recognizable patterns embedded into daily routines/knowing limits (that consciously promote constructive behavior).
Conclusion : You Got This!
You’ve made it this far so chances are that kid won’t have upper hand anymore whenever starts feeling like lashing. In conclusion, tantrums are part growing up process parent need overcome sooner or later; since child's behaviour around others an indicator in shaping personality overtime be vigilant spotting changes (signs increasing aggression), Isolation/stress reduction ways handle inducing actions productive methods keeping atmosphere calm + empthazing more with toddlers who may otherwise felt unheard thus leading reduced likelihood stress-fueled hits directed we caregivers near/affected despite numerous frustrating days anticipated while parenting best practice remain focused end result – confident emotionally controlled adults raised - trust thyself/process/self-belief/#Love Parenting.