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Behaviour/development

2 year old hitting me when I am talking to someone else

5 replies

stottiecake · 14/12/2010 23:22

My just 2.1 year old has started hitting me when I am on the phone or talking to someone when we are out and about. Obviously it's something to do with him realising that I am not giving him my undivided attention.

Not sure how best to try to deal with this. I have (on separate occasions) ignored him, got down to his level and said 'no hitting. Hitting is naughty. You hurt mummy'. I have also asked for him to say sorry. We are getting nowhere. I don't know what I should be doing? Is he too young for time out (naughty step?) Is that even a good idea?

Also when dh are trying to have a conversation he starts yelling/ screaming/ banging stuff - attention again.

What to do? He gets loads of attention from both of us - I'm at home with him and dh usually works evenings/ nights.

Any advice very gratefully received!

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stottiecake · 14/12/2010 23:29

I am off to bed now but will be checking back tomorrow evening.

TIA

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electra · 14/12/2010 23:34

LOL - sorry, this made me smile. My 20 month old girl is the same. I've been ill for about 4 days and still not feeling 100% and if I lie on the sofa, she comes over and hits me!

I think that at this age they are way too young to understand this isn't acceptable - all they know is that they need your attention and aren't getting it / don't like competing with others for it. It's completely normal so I would just ignore it - they will grow out of it naturally as they grow and acquire whining language skills

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scurryfunge · 14/12/2010 23:37

You are doing the right thing with getting down to his level and saying "no". I would turn my back on him whilst on thephone if he starts hitting you to see if he gets the message. You could pick him up and put him somewhere safe while you are on the phone and leave the room if he starts hitting or screaming. He needs to make the link between poor behaviour and less attention/reaction from you.

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LynetteScavo · 14/12/2010 23:39

AS electra says, he will grow out of it.

Although, do say "no hitting" if he hits..it may not seem to make any difference now, but it will in the long run.

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stottiecake · 15/12/2010 21:47

Thanks very much for your advice - so glad to see it's normal and that he will grow out of it!
Will carry on saying 'no hitting' and hope for the best!!