17 month old keeps hitting others

[MissLavender]

Hello, My 17month Daughter keeps hitting other children, I spend most of our time at playgroups apologising to children and other parents. She's a very sweet natured girl usually. I know this is common but any tips on the best way to way with this would be great!

I would go for a two minute time out with each instance. I would tell her simply but clearly that three time outs in any one playgroup session meant going home and then I would follow up. You would be surprised what they can understand at 17mths.

Thanks, I do usually remove her from the situation to sit on her own for a minute, but maybe I need to make it more of a routine and make sure I do it EVERY time she does it.

If you only do it sometimes, how can she understand? "I hit someone yesterday and it was OK but today I got a timeout for the same action". I know I said they understand more than some people think but even an adult would be confused by that one!

She is always told off for hitting other children, so she knows its wrong and that its not OK. Ive only recently started to trial a short time out as I'd heard conflicting opinions on what age this becomes effective.

With DS, it worked from 14 mths.

give the victim ALL the attention at first. then remove your daughter from the group with little fuss or attention. Stick her in a buggy/car/boring room away from everyone for 3 mins or so. Timeout worked with mine at the same age - think it depends on the child if they catch on though. Warn her if she does it again shes going home - then calmly follow through.

Thanks for that, I think time out and making a fuss of the recepient of her busy hands is the way forward from now. I was hoping it wouldn't have to start this early!!!! :(

A professional childminder once told me that you should have done the bulk of the work by the age of three.