Hitting

Sat June 19th.

I was at a play-date the other day Jack hit another boy…gently…however he hit him, for no reason. (It was not the first time – twice before he has done it) I picked him up immediately and said NO Jack NO hitting.

I don’t think he does it with aggression…actually I know he doesn’t. I think he is looking for a reaction from the other baby. He also likes to tap and touch other babies on their face and head. He is just at a stage where he is curious about exploring interactions, touching, expression etc.

I found the info below helpful. In reading this article I realize that I gave Jack attention first and then the other baby. And perhaps the attention Jack gets when he hits the other baby is somewhat “rewarding”. When this occurs again I will definitely give the “victim” (don’t like the way this sounds as my baby Jack is not doing this with aggression or anger towards the other baby) attention first and ask Jack to hug him/her better.

Your toddler's violence always demands an immediate response. Don't ever ignore acts of aggression by your toddler (or by other toddlers who might be visiting for a playdate). Violence cannot be condoned. If you ignore it, your child will think it's okay. So respond quickly and clearly to hitting, kicking, scratching, hair pulling, poking, pushing, biting, and throwing things.

Whenever your toddler hurts another child, go to the other child and offer comfort first, even before you discipline your own child. Correcting violence is not simply a matter of disciplining your child and teaching her right from wrong. It also is an opportunity to model empathetic, caring, and compassionate behavior toward others. So make sure that your toddler sees you offering comfort to the victim. In time, she will begin to emulate your behavior.

While offering comfort to the injured child, clearly state to your own toddler that hurting another person is not allowed. Show your child the teeth marks or scratches or bruises on the child she victimized. Point out the injured child's tears and tell your toddler what they mean: that your child hurt the other. Finally, proscribe the specific violent behavior of your child: "No biting—ever!" or "Hitting is never allowed!"

For full article click on link below
http://life.familyeducation.com/discipline/toddler/53391.html