Pinching and hitting

drpayne

I don't know what my kid's deal is... but lately he is constantly pinching me, hitting me and sometimes biting me.  He really doesn't do it to anyone else.  I'm frustrated.  Aside from saying "no" and immediately putting him down or in time out, what can I do?  Just hope it passes? 

ldcoffel

I'm in the same boat. My DS beats me up. When he does an unwanted behavior, tell him no, put him down, cross your arms in a closed position, and make a frowny face. This is from my mom who is a specialist in early childhood. I hope it works faster for you, than me! 

PayolaCrayola

My DD does the same thing! last night she kept biting me and its only to me. DH says she never touches him. Makes me sad.

islelily

We've been working on this with DS.  He usually hits me and rarely hits DH.  If it's something that's done out of anger, he gets a time out (which he now knows) - a minute or two in his PNP in the living room.  I explain why I am putting him in time out and that hitting is not allowed.  After the minute, I go back in to get him and repeat why I put him in there, that it's not allowed and ask him to say "sorry" (which he does). I pick him up, tell him I forgive him, and give him a hug/kiss. This works for us because he often hits when he's angry because he can't do something or is refusing to go somewhere with me -- like to change his diaper, go to the car so we can go to the doctor's office, run errands, etc.

If he's hitting because he's just frustrated (needs my attention or wants something), I tell him "no hitting" and ask him to use his words. He doesn't always tell me what he wants exactly (it can be a guessing game), but it stops the hitting and distracts him.

If he's hitting because he's worked up (from rough housing, being silly, tickled) I hold his hands, tell him no hitting and to calm down. I try to distract him and do something else.