He's still too young to understand the word 'NO,' though I'm trying to teach him (gently). He is very active and boisterous, but often when he is frustrated or upset he flails around hitting and scratching at me. I don't think he's trying to hurt me, but I want to teach him to stop doing it.
***All gentle suggestions will be considered. I am not at all in favor of corporal punishment at this age, or for quite some time. ***
2007-01-06 02:02:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
You are right, at this age they really don't understand the word "no'. You should never do anything to punish your child that you are uncomfortable with doing, especially if it's harmful, hurtful, or mentally crewl. He is only 7 months old, so my suggestion is to do what you think is right. Tell him No and move his hands away from you. Do not spank, don't yell, don't call names, just tell him NO (firmly). He does not realize what he is doing is hurting you or upsetting you. So, eventually he will start to understand that he can't be doing this. Children start to learn that this behavior is unacceptable by the age of 1 or so. Hope this helps. Good luck to you!
2007-01-06 02:15:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like a defense mechanism. Other mothers ask how to teach their older children to stand up against bullies!
To what stimuli have/are you exposing your child? Is there anything in his/her environment that might have resulted in this becoming a learned behavior? Children learn to copy example behavior; corporal punishment is likely to make the situation worse. Instead give him love.
You mention that this is the result of the child being frustrated. Might you be able to assist with removing the cause, or accomplishing the task? Is there some basic need that is not completely satisfied? If perhaps your child is very determined and wants to progress more rapidly than the body allows, step back and give him room to explore. He will eventually grow and succeed! (In this case, have patience!)
Children can also reach this type of reaction state from exhaustion. He is still very young and needs a lot of nap time. Are you providing him with quiet soothing comfort every 2-3 hours for rest? A nap in the secure comfort of a parents arms contributes to bonding (trust, happiness, satisfaction, those types of emotions).
Examine the childs overall environment. Does it supply good educational stimuli? What children need most is LOTS of attention in the way of talk and explanations. Before one can speak, it is necessary to soak up vocabulary via observation!
Do not hit him, talk to him! (If he is attentive, it will keep him occupied. If he is not attentive, he probably needs comfort and rest. And note: some kids find the world so interesting that they fight sleep because they want to continue observing and learning; thus a quiet dark nap room may be required.)
2007-01-06 02:43:19 · answer #2 · answered by saraj451 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 7 mth old baby can learn the word NO...its all in the tone of your voice...my 6 mth old knows what NO means ...u just take their hand gently and with a firm voice say NO....go deeper than u would usually talk(i call it my daddy voice)...also he isnt too young to start learning sign...u can take classes together...once he picks it up u will notice a drastic change now that he communicate with u...Good Luck...
2007-01-06 08:54:38 · answer #3 · answered by eyesopen16 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's way too young for learning right and wrong. The only good advice I can give is to teach baby sign language so you can communicate and he will not get as frustrated.
2007-01-06 02:05:57 · answer #4 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
grasp his hands gently when he hits and say NO in a stern voice. then set him down and don't give him any attention for a minute. he IS old enough to learn the word no, and to know that certain behavior will lose him attention. keep repeating this and you should see results within a week.
2007-01-06 02:30:48 · answer #5 · answered by Flint 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all cut his nails. It's not safe for HIM to have them long enough to stratch. When he starts to flail grab him and cuddle him, talk soothingly to him to get him to calm down.
2007-01-06 15:57:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe your baby hates you. Why else would it be hitting and scratching you? Is your baby named Stewie Griffin by chance?
2007-01-06 02:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Firm but gentle restraint.
Redirection. Show him how he CAN touch.
2007-01-06 02:06:11 · answer #8 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋