What do you do when a child hits you?

Question

I work at an afterschool daycare and there is a boy there, in the 2nd grade, that hits someone just about every day. I guess yesterday was my turn. It really pissed me off and I just put him in time out, but is there something else I can do?
I told his mom, but she is passive.

I can not hit him or bite him...

I believe the reason is that he takes karate and thinks he can use it on every one.

Answer 1

Squirt gun in the face - immediate reaction (much like a cat) and humane.

Answer 2

First, talk to the direction. Tell them what is happening so that they know what is happening.

Second, talk to the child. Even if he is very young, he'll understand. Tell him WHY he is being punished and ask him if he would like if another kid beat him. Make him understand how bad it is and that he CANNOT do it and each time he'll do it he'll be punished.

Third, talk again to the mother. If he still hits somebody write her a letter saying that if he continues he'll have to be kicked out (ask permission to the direction to do so).

If possible, call his karate teacher. If the little one does that it is because he may love karate. Ask the teacher to tell him that using karate to hurt somebody is forbidden (which is true even for a child).

It may work, but I am sure that only gaining the little boy's confidence and making him understand why he sould behave will make him stop.

Answer 3

Like Dylan d, I'm of the old school too. The quick answer is immediately hit him back. Not with the force of an adult, but enough to cause discomfort which would let him know what it's like to be on the receiving end. Sadly, in these enlightened times, this isn't acceptable and you lay yourself open to an assault charge. Ever seen a film of lion cubs chewing their mother's tail? She lets it go on and on until she's fed up with it and then gives them a gentle cuff to let them know it's time to stop. Years ago, this is what happened to children. They knew when they'd gone too far and when their behaviour was unacceptable. Reasoning with them doesn't always work. Perhaps a supervised smack from the victim might do the trick but that child's parents may have taught him not to hit back so you'd be going against the victims' parents' wishes. Failing this quick clip, the water pistol squirt sounds useful. Perhaps telling the bully's mother what an obnoxious little creature her son is might raise her from her apathy.

Answer 4

Though you cannot hit him back (which is a shame in this situation) you can place him in a time-out until he calms down. Everytime he hits someone, place him in a time-out or take away a privilege - make him stay inside for recess, place him in another room when watching a movie - something to that extent. If it continues, talk to the mother again...And again...And again. If she does nothing to change his behavior, insist he be removed from the daycare. He could be a harm t the other children.

Answer 5

I think putting him in time-out was the best thing to do. Tell him no, and just dont show him how mad you are. Kids enjoy getting arise out of adults, and if you show them it's not going to phase you he'll probally stop. I'm glad you didn't hit him back like the person said above me Lord only knows what could happen there the way people are these days you'd be getting sued ! lol But when you put him in time out just dont over due it with the time because they will just get mad and probally do something worse ya know what I mean ? Hope this helps !

Answer 6

First take him away from the others and you talk to him about his hitting. Discuss what will happen if he does it again. Next time its time out away from everyone, for seven minutes each and every time. If that does not solve the problem, then you will have to advise the parents, to look for another daycare.
( Connie Mom of 4 and 5th grade teacher )

Answer 7

Keep him isolated from the other kids and when his mom asks why, explain to her that "it is for the safety of the other students" and that his combative behavior is causing a disruption in the other kids' learning. Either the child or him mom will cave first, but eventually... they'll cave. Show him that when he acts like that, he can not have the same privelges as the other children. Afterall, its not fair when they have to suffer for his bad behavior.

...So, my daughter yakes karate as well and one of the rles of Karate is "never use your Karate outside the dojo unless you are in immediate danger. Our sensei constantly stresses how important it is adn how you WILL get kicked out of karate if you are deliberately hitting or bullting anyone. Hence the creed:
"I will only use my karate skills for self defense and I will never hurt or bully anyone". I would suggest to the mother to discuss this behavior with her son's sensei and see if they can come up with some solution.

Answer 8

In your position of responsibility I think it is imperative that you consult your supervisor. If this should escalate or if you show the child that it is acceptible to behave that way, you would be compromising you authoritative position in the classroom as well as putting yourself in position for legal ramifications.

I firmly believe that in this case you must get the facility management involved by asking for advice about how you CAN handle it and how they think you should proceed.

I would also keep a log of what actions are taken and any documents. I would definitely consider communicating through memos. That's your call. It's very easy for me to say what to do without being affected by any possible outcome.

I'm sure this can be worked out and you will be fine.

Answer 9

well punish him. time out is okay. say no cookies or milk for you if you don't play nice. increase his time out time by ten minutes for every time he misbehaves. try telling his mom again that her child is hitting people and if she doesn't improve his behavior she needs to find another daycare. also talk to the owner of the daycare center and ask him/her what you should do about the child before making the statement that the child would be banned.

Answer 10

Bullcrap, the reason is NOT because he takes Karate, Karate teaches discipline and EVASIVE techniques, NOT how to fight. The reason is what you said in the beginning...HIS PARENTS ARE PASSIVE, they obviously do not discipline their son at home. As a care giver all you ca do is put him in time out...if he continues you can suggest to whoever runs the day care facility that maybe he shouldn't be allowed to come anymore. I know I wouldn't put up with a child who was always hitting...

Answer 11

Is there a Behaviorist working there that could help you with this? Is the child doing it for attention,then don't react at all.Is he doing it because he knows he will get time out, and that's what he wants,to get out of doing whatever task you are on when he hits you? The REASON for the behavior will help you find the solution.