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4 year old hitting - how do I deal with it?

3 replies

Lawnpop · 05/05/2021 15:38

I have three children, the youngest has just turned 5 months. He’s a clingy baby who hates being put down and is a terrible daytime and nighttime sleeper. I am totally exhausted. My other two children have been generally great since his arrival but in the last couple of weeks DS2 (almost 4 year old) has started to hit, kick and punch me and his dad. He’s never done this before and I’m not sure how to deal with it. We usually say something like we don’t hit and then leave him alone to cool down for a few minutes. He’ll then apologize but does it again, sometimes straight away. Today he started hitting me because I told him he couldn’t ride his scooter in the house. He then slapped the baby. I was so shocked, I took him to his room and have told him to stay there until he’s calmed down. He’s not in the slightest bit bothered though. I can hear him playing and chatting away to himself. Should there be more punishment or is that enough now?

OP posts:
DownWhichOfLate · 05/05/2021 16:46

He probably feels put out by the baby. Can you try giving him lots of love and attention? Not easy with a clingy baby! You need to stay calm and just say no then ask him for a hug.

Lawnpop · 05/05/2021 17:48

I think that’s exactly it. I always have a baby in my arms now and I know he’s doing it for attention. I find it so hard to stay calm especially because I’m so tired. We’ve had big cuddles this evening.

OP posts:
bookworm1982 · 28/11/2023 15:55

Lawnpop · 05/05/2021 15:38

I have three children, the youngest has just turned 5 months. He’s a clingy baby who hates being put down and is a terrible daytime and nighttime sleeper. I am totally exhausted. My other two children have been generally great since his arrival but in the last couple of weeks DS2 (almost 4 year old) has started to hit, kick and punch me and his dad. He’s never done this before and I’m not sure how to deal with it. We usually say something like we don’t hit and then leave him alone to cool down for a few minutes. He’ll then apologize but does it again, sometimes straight away. Today he started hitting me because I told him he couldn’t ride his scooter in the house. He then slapped the baby. I was so shocked, I took him to his room and have told him to stay there until he’s calmed down. He’s not in the slightest bit bothered though. I can hear him playing and chatting away to himself. Should there be more punishment or is that enough now?

Hello, just wondered if your child got over this phase?

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