I can't take the hitting!

cbubbles2 · May 2013

DS is almost 19 months and is very into hitting. He even says "hit" or "hitting" with toys, spoons, etc. It's like it's a game to him. He's with my niece everyday and they are so physical right now (she just turned two). It's driving me nuts because our sweet kids are being monsters.

I keep reinforcing that we don't hit that we're nice (show him how to touch nicely) and make him kiss/hug, apologize. He knows it's naughty but keeps doing it repeatedly. It makes me so sad to see my sweet baby hitting and pulling hair.

Any adivce or tricks to get this to calm down?

This too shall pass, right?!

TJ1979 · May 2013

We haven't gotten to that stage yet, but it sounds awful. I hope someone has some advice for you, and that this stage passes quickly. I can't picture that precious angel in your siggy pic doing anything like that!

BabyKsMommy · May 2013

If he's hitting and looking at you for your response then it's an attention seeking behavior. So I would ignore it. If he's hitting your niece I would move him to where he can't hurt her but give him no attention or eye contact.

If he's hitting because she took his toy then that's another story. But I'm guessing its attention seeking.

I feel your pain though. My ds is currently in a phase where he screams "No" and "don't" at people in public places. Of course he's also pointing at them, too. Like today we went to subway and when someone would walk in the door he's strayed yelling and pointing at them. Kinda funny but embarrassing too. Just think in 20 years you will remember this phase and laugh. Plus you will have embarrassing stories to tell his gfs.

Dragonfly1226 · May 2013

He's about at the age when we started time outs with DS for dangerous or destructive behavior. He probably earns one time out a week or even less but when he does the behavior stops almost immediately. GL!

OceanBreeze1 · May 2013

Ditto what pps said about attention. Hope it passes soon!

Also, I noticed you said lo hits with spoons, etc. DD liked to do that, too, so we redirect her to things she CAN hit with it, like empty yogurt containers, etc.

Not the same as hitting others, I know, but just a thought.

cbubbles2 · May 2013

It's definitely happening as a form of frustration/expression with his cousin because they hit when they are playing and were not in the room but can see in without them knowing it. He also just thinks it's funny. :

I'm definitely using timeouts and even that is a struggle because he runs away. I just keep putting him back until he stays for a full minute. Not easy. I'm exhausted. It was a tough mommy day!

Thank you for the input. I just felt a bit defeated today.

queenbone · May 2013

I don't have any tips, really. It is still a struggle some days. It is sad when they stop being a sweet little babe and their willfulness comes out in full force.

The only thing that makes it seem okay to me is when they are sweet and thoughtful to each other or show each other empathy. Then I know that deep down my message of being kind to one another is getting through, they just often times have more fun doing the opposite.

cbubbles2 · May 2013

queenbone:
I don't have any tips, really. It is still a struggle some days. It is sad when they stop being a sweet little babe and their willfulness comes out in full force. The only thing that makes it seem okay to me is when they are sweet and thoughtful to each other or show each other empathy. Then I know that deep down my message of being kind to one another is getting through, they just often times have more fun doing the opposite. ;

Thank you! I think you are right on about the kindness!

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