My son just started hitting me for no reason. Not out of anger or frustration, but just to, well, get a reaction I think. I really don't know why he does it. I don't know if I should ignore him, hit him back so he knows how it feels or put him in a time out. I can understand children hitting because they've been spanked or they've seen other children hitting, but this isn't the case. I don't know where he learned it from. Any advice?
why do toddlers hit?...
- Thread starter Lissa
- Start date
Normal toddler behavior. All kids go through this, some more so than others. A good article here:
My Toddler Hits Me and other expert advice - FamilyEducation.com
My Toddler Hits Me and other expert advice - FamilyEducation.com
Oliver may be too young for Time Out. He doesn't understand the context of time, and you would be struggling to keep him there, besides the fact that he wouldn't get the point. I don't think Time Outs are effective until a child is at least 2, and even then, they don't work for all kids. In your case, I think a firm, "No hitting," and either stopping the activity at hand or redirecting him to something else will suffice. Of course, you'll have to do this over and over again until he gets the message.
He probably is playing, but as a toddler, he's not yet aware that hitting isn't an acceptable behavior. Since toddlers aren't able to verbalize their thoughts and feelings, etc. they come out in physical ways. Don't worry, this too shall pass! And then on to different parenting challenges 
Never a dull moment! LOL!
Never a dull moment! LOL!
I think he's just exploring and learning more about the world around him. Like Trina said, he's not yet aware that it isn't acceptable.
Did you happen to notice what YOU were doing at the particular times he hit you? You said that it seems like he's doing it to get a reaction, so maybe it's when you are busy doing something and he knows hitting you will get a reaction out of you? Just a thoughtLissa said:
But I also agree, it could just be a phase... I don't remember his age, but he's approaching the terrible two's isn't he?
I was sitting on the floor watching him play and he just came up to me out of no where and started hitting me on the head and laughing.Mindy said:Did you happen to notice what YOU were doing at the particular times he hit you? You said that it seems like he's doing it to get a reaction, so maybe it's when you are busy doing something and he knows hitting you will get a reaction out of you? Just a thought
Yes, the 2s are fast approaching! :shocked:But I also agree, it could just be a phase... I don't remember his age, but he's approaching the terrible two's isn't he?
Oliver is still hitting me and he hit a little girl at the playgroup the other day. I'm very upset and brokenhearted over this. My little boy is being so mean and I didn't teach him to be that way. When he hits me I want to cry. I did once but I hold it back most of the time. Everything I do is for him and it hurts that he hits me. I'm taking this very personally, maybe too personally I don't know. It's bothering me an incredible deal though.
Another mother I know recommended I use a "modified" time out, where I just sit him in my lap and hold his arms for 30 seconds to a minute. Does that sound okay?
Another mother I know recommended I use a "modified" time out, where I just sit him in my lap and hold his arms for 30 seconds to a minute. Does that sound okay?
{{{HUGS}}} This is just the start of things your DS will do that he wasn't taught at home. Yes, you're taking it too personally. This is normal toddler behavior. Listen to your mommy instincts on how to discipline, keeping in mind that toddlers rarely get the message quickly. You'll need to hold his hands, look into his eyes and firmly say, "NO hitting. It hurts," (or something to that effect) and remove him from the situation or redirect to a different activity over and over again.
The fact you're so upset proves you're a good mother. I must tell you that the feeling of being broken hearted, overwhelmed and wondering how to handle parenting issues never stops. Those darn kids keep growing and getting into new and different troubles! LOL!
Yes, you're taking it too personally. This is normal toddler behavior. Listen to your mommy instincts on how to discipline, keeping in mind that toddlers rarely get the message quickly. You'll need to hold his hands, look into his eyes and firmly say, "NO hitting. It hurts," (or something to that effect) and remove him from the situation or redirect to a different activity over and over again. The fact you're so upset proves you're a good mother.
I must tell you that the feeling of being broken hearted, overwhelmed and wondering how to handle parenting issues never stops. Those darn kids keep growing and getting into new and different troubles! LOL!