Toddler hitting himself

[TiggerMum70]

Help please! Our 2 and a bit year old has started to strike himself on the face with hands whenever he doesn't get his own way. It's alarming, to say the least. We've tried explaining that it's not clever, timeouts, ignoring - all to no avail. He's also started to hit out at others (mum, dad, random tots at soft play). For the majority of the time he is a loving, cuddly,engaging little boy and has great communication abilities for his age. Does anyone have any advise?

My DS did exactly the same when he was about 20-24months old. We tried to ignore it as much as possible, although it was hard when he really gave himself a whack. He has totally grown out of it now (32 months). If he's hitting other people deal with it straight away, with whatever discipline measure you prefer - removing from situation/ thinking or naughty step etc. Again, my DS has gone through that faze - mainly hitting me. I just put him down immediately, if he did it again - he had time out. He has more or less grown out of that as well, although I still get swiped occasionally but it's normally due to flailing arms during a tantrum rather than on purpose. Can still hurt though!

Try this web site, it offers useful advice. It also contian information on hitting. www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-stopping-biting

Ignore when he hits himself, calm, measured reactions when he hits you and some time out, making a fuss of any 'victims' at soft play, whilst removing him calmly and without emotion to his actions. It takes time, consistency and will power but, although you can't radically change the way he reacts ( which is totally normal btw), it will give you the strategies and him the understanding to get over it faster.

Thanks all - really appreciate your words of wisdom. And it's good to know that we're not unique! Will keep you posted.