Toddlers and Hitting

I am having a huge problem with my 16 month old DS. He keeps hitting me and my DH. I have tried time out and as soon as he gets out he goes right back to hitting me. I don't know how to effectively correct his behavior. Anyone have experience with this or have any ideas. I am at my wits end!!!!!

Re: Toddlers and Hitting

DS would do that to me around that age and it would sometimes make me cry. I was so upset that I give him more love than I know how and I'm the one he hit.

First off, he got over it in time. It was not a malicious thing, I think it was more out of play. When he was younger, I'd puff my cheeks and let him "pop" them and I think it stemmed from that as he'd hit me in the face when I got close to him.

The best thing that worked, was avoiding getting in that position. And if he did hit me, I'd redirect quickly (ETA: a toy, a book, another game, etc.) and rarely acknowledged the hitting. It just gradually stopped.

I know first hand how hard and emotional and personal this is. Hang it there and it should pass.

Message edited 10/18/2011 8:27:03 PM.

Re: Toddlers and Hitting

DD just started doing this too (she's a little over 2). I think she does it when she's frustrated. I do time out for it and she absolutely hates time out so it usually works (I wonder how long this will last )

It's a little upsetting but I'm hoping it just a phase