What to Do When Your Toddler is Hitting, Even When Gentle Parenting hasn’t Worked
This video discusses strategies on how to deal with toddlers with hitting behavior, even when gentle parenting techniques haven’t worked.
Hitting behavior shown by toddlers is often their way to communicate their needs, frustration, unmet sensory needs, or attention-seeking behavior. Toddlers show this hitting behavior because they lack the language skills to express complex emotions.
The functional analysis of hitting behavior to know why, when, and with whom the hitting took place is the first step to reduce hitting behavior in toddlers. The techniques that we can use around toddlers who show hitting behaviors are to stay calm and consistent, model gentle touch, and redirect the child’s energy into acceptable physical activities like squeezing a stress ball or using playdough. Avoid any measures that may lead to shame. Using positive reinforcement to promote alternate behaviors and provide clear boundaries and consistent routines can help in reducing hitting behavior.
