DS (13 months) hitting me when upset

[minibmw2010]

Since his 1st birthday DS has been quick to react if he's upset by pushing my face away or slapping me. I don't know that he means it at 13 months and I assume it's just his temper / tiredness getting out. It what is the best way to deal with it? At the moment I'm trying to hold his arms down while cuddling and talking (not shouting) to try and calm him down.

What should I do? It's so upsetting.

I do not think this is uncommon, my almost 2 year old still sometimes pushes at my face when I pick her up if she does not want to be removed from whatever she is doing. I tell her "Do not hit/push mummy, it hurts" and make an exaggerated unhappy face. I think at this age they are not very good at controlling their feelings and reactions to things but they get better at it when they get some words. Then you get "NO!" a lot more than physical reactions.

I think you are right, its frustration, and that is always made worse by tiredness.

I don't have an answer I'm afraid but I do have a similar problem with 15month old DS. Be interesting to see what people come up with

Thanks ladies. I'm sorry others are having it but I'm glad it's something I can try and work with, desperately upsetting and I just want to know what to do to make sure he (eventually) realises its not OM.

I think it's fairly common. When my 15mo does something I don't want her to do (something serious like repeatedly hitting me), I gently hold her arms to stop her and take a firm tone and say 'no'. If she does it again when I let her go, I pick her up and place her away from me and turn my back away (to send the message that I am ignoring her behaviour).

I have no idea whether this will work but hopefully it sends a signal that hitting people is not okay.