- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
How do you discourage hitting?
DD loves us and the cats, but she thinks that she is just playing when she chased them with plastic bowling pins and tries to hit them or us. She only uses her hand if she is actually mad.
I read on one site to hold the offending wrist (or ankle if it's kicking) without hurting at all, just firmly enough to limit movement for about 30 seconds, each time she hits. The idea is that she should want her freedom more than she wants to hit.
I've tried this, and while she doesn't hit right after, 5 minutes later she will be at it again. I don't think any of you would say this, but I am not a "Hit/kick/bite her back" kind of person and balk at the idea of anyone doing it.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: How do you discourage hitting?
My daughter was hitting. I got down to her level and just said "no hitting". When she continued, I said it again and put her in her crib for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. I guess it was sort of like time out. Then I went back and got her and hugged her and said again firmly that we don't hit. I did that a few times and she has stopped. I don't know if she just grew out of it or if what I did worked. Good luck. I wouldn't hit her back. I think that would encourage the behavior.
I feel that you can't simply say "no". You also have to show her what the appropriate behavior is.
So like the pp said, get down on her level, hold her wrists and say firmly "no hitting" or "we don't hit the cats". But then follow it up with "we pet them softly". And then show her. Take her hand and touch the cats the way you want her to pet them.
When my daughter hits me I tell her "no hits. hugs.".
Rinse and repeat. Just keep telling her over and over and never once let her get away with it. She'll catch on sooner or later. Just make sure that she's not hitting in order to get your attention or none of these techniques will work.