My 2 1/2 yearold is hitting!

[Stormieweather]

Keep talking to her, every time she hits someone, stop her and talk about being nice vs hurting people. If she does it at home, sit her on a time-out stool for one minute. Get down on her level and talk calmly and face to face.

My daughter just went through this stage, including pinching when mad. But it's fading now, after much talking and time-outs. She rarely hits anymore. She'll be 3 in two months.

ps...I never hit (spank) her as punishment. Ever. So it is very clear to her that hitting isn't something we do to other people, no matter what.

[ferret88]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

ps...I never hit (spank) her as punishment. Ever. So it is very clear to her that hitting isn't something we do to other people, no matter what.

I've tried not to spank, but sometimes...

That message is one I've been worried about sending. A friend of mine suggested "thumping" her on the forehead. More of a flick of the middle finger off the thumb. Seems to get her attention.

Friday, she went to daycare with the threat of "We don't hit people. If you hit anyone, you won't get gummies." At pickup, the report was "She was very good and she didn't hit anyone." So she got gummies.

[Stormieweather]

Awesome!!

Alas, mine reverted over the weekend and did some biting. I need to do some more work with her on how to express her anger without hurting people.

[ferret88]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

Awesome!!

Alas, mine reverted over the weekend and did some biting. I need to do some more work with her on how to express her anger without hurting people.

Yeah. That's what I thought.

Mine seems to express anger by yelling about it. She doesn't much get physical. The hitting has been for no apparent reason.

[glatt]

My kindergartener came home the other day and sheepishly told me he had to go see the vice-principal because he'd cut a classmate's hair.

It was April Fool's day. The little guy got me.