How on earth do you stop a very small child smacking ?

[Tillyscoutsmum]

DS is 15 months. He is lovely most of the time but seems to be so aggressive sometimes. He hits, kicks, throws things etc. He is very big for his age and, although it sounds stupid, he can sometimes really hurt. He also smacks 3 year old dd.

I tell him "no" but he just seems to find it funny.

I'm hoping its just a very short phase, but is there anything else I should be doing to stop him ?

Try and grab his hand before he makes contact and show him a gentle stroking movement with it instead. "We do not hit. Gentle." (say gentle while doing gentle movement)

We have this problem with DS2. He is now 21 months and things are improving a bit. We spent a lot of time with him playing with dolly and being gentle with the 'baby'. Plus what Bertie says too.

Thanks. I do the "gentle" thing (albeit usually after the event - he's so quick - one minute cuddling, the next smacking ). Ironically, he's really gentle with the dog !

Hi

At 15months they understand "consequence" to their actions.

Every time he hits or smacks you, hold his hand firmly and say "No, that hurts mummy! If you do it again, I will put you down..." or "No, that hurts mummy! if you do it again we cannot play!"

If he hits again, put him down or walk away and place your back to him. Ignore him and any further hits until he is not being agressive or unkind. Then after he is calm tell him that hitting is wrong and it hurts and make sure he gives you a cuddle as a "sorry"

If this doesn't work, you can start time out At 15/18months. So say "No, that hurts Mummy, you do not hit. If you do it again you will go on the naughty step!"

If he does it again - put him there for a 1 minute stretch... It'll work better if you are consistent with every time he does it to you.

It is usually believed that before 2yrs they are too young to understand the naughty step technique but believe me - it does work with younger children!!!!

Chelsea

The Nanny Tree
Where fabulous Nannies do grow on trees!