My 18 month old son just started to hit.....we don't spank him and never had to...how do stop him from hitting

Question

He is only in daycare 3 days a week at a very small in home facility. He is the only boy and the sitter has never had a problem with him hitting the girls there, she said he’s really “lovey” and gives hugs and kisses to them all the time.

But I noticed when I pick him up he is trying to slap my face. I don't want to hit him for hitting me...really what would that teach him?

He is usually "lovey" with us (my husband, our daughter and me) but every once in a while he just starts hitting us? And....I'm 7 months pregnant and he will even hit my belly, like an open hand slap? How can I stop this?

Answer 1

You definitely need to give him the message that hitting is not acceptable behavior. When he starts to hit, is there a pattern? Is he mad about something? Figure out the root of the problem so that the hitting can be stopped before it starts. Have an area set up for time out. Call it the "thinking chair" or something. Since he is 18 months old, he should sit there for about 2 minutes. If that doesn't work, take away luxuries. "If you continue to hit, we won't play outside after supper." I agree, spanking or hitting him back is not the answer. Good luck.

Answer 2

You need to nip this trend NOW before it becomes a learned behavior. He is likely imitating behavior he's seen at daycare from other toddlers.

The next time it happens, frown and scold him firmly; tell him "NO". If he does it again, punish by whatever means you prefer - repeat the punishment EVERY TIME it happens.

Remain consistent. Teach him that each and every time he hits a living being - person, pet, or otherwise, he will get punished.

Discuss the behavior with the daycare staff and ask them to enforce punishment when they see this behavior in your son - recommend that they do it for the others, but that's technically none of your business.

That kind of behavior is normal for that age, but if they learn that it's acceptible to hit for no reason, they will think that it's OK all the time...which means trouble as they get older.

Answer 3

First off, I would investigate the daycare setting more closely. Your son is picking up this behavior from somewhere, whether it be another child or the daycare provider. (my daughter, age 2, started hitting after she was slapped by another child at the playground)

At home, punishment should be immediate and consistant. ie. 2 minute time out when it happens every time, every place. That way he is given a very clear message that this type of behavior is unacceptable.

Good luck!

Answer 4

My little girl started doing that at about 18 months,too. I got her to stop by doing exactly what someone else has said,you take their hand and in a firm voice (NOT yelling),you say "we don't hit". You can't let it go untreated,not hitting anyways. That can turn into a habit,and it's hard to break kids out of habits. It does take some time,but they will soon see that they can't go around hitting and will eventually stop.

Answer 5

This is the stage where you have to discipline him or else when he grows up he won't have any respect for you.
If you don't want to hit him then either

1.When he hits you grab his hand come down to his level and tell him sternly (not shouting just serious) that it naughty to him and that he shouldn't do it

or

2.Warn him about hitting people if he doesn't listen make him sit in a corner for a minute per years of his age(2yrs=2Min's) if he get up or anything just sit him back down (don't say anything to him) and until he manages to sit there nicely.
When his time is done explain to him why he is sitting there make him apologies and give him a hug so theres no grudges.

Answer 6

I use to hit back, but now they "the experts" say that you shouldn't spank, so now, with my great nephews and nieces I use a water bottle...They kick and hit their mother all the time but they know that I will spray them if they do it to me. They are real good when they come and stay with me. And they hang all over me, but I guess you have to find what works for you, this is just my suggestion.

Answer 7

you need to stop him, holding his hands in yours, and say in a firm voice. WE DON'T HIT. It'll take some doing. I think my son did that for about 2 or 3 months, and finally he quit.

Answer 8

Hit him back. I'm not saying this to be mean or anything but kids understand "hurt". When he hits, just flick his arm or something and say "stop" or "no".