18mo DD hitting - it's driving me crazy: how do I stop her?

[MolotovCocktail]

Our 18mo dd2 is a happy, cheeky little monkey but over recent weeks she has started hitting me and her 4yo sister a lot. It usually follows when she hasn't got her own way or been told 'no'. It's not from the influence of other children as I am a sahm.

I tell her 'no' and to stop but shw will just hit out again.

Any advice is appreciated.

My DS2 went through a hitting phase from 18 months. I found it v stressful and frustrating, especially as most of the disciplining advice (naughty step etc) doesn't work for most kids until around 2. All you can do is a firm no and lots of attention for the person who has been hit. And positive attention for DD2 when she isn't hitting. For DS2 it lasted about 8 months

I've just had this phase with DD who is now 19 months old. Hitting us, cats, other children... Nightmare. I just kept being consistent, would make her look at me, told her no very firmly & moved her away and distracted her. If we were carrying her she went straight on the floor, was told no then ignored for a few moments (while i tried to to regaincomposure mostly!!) It felt like it was never going to work but we seem to have got through the phase & now if she lifts her hand to hit I only have to say "ah" and she remembers. It's so upsetting isn't it? At times I have wanted to smack her hand to see how she likes it but how on earth can you tell them off for smacking & then smack them!!!

Thanks for your comments. This issue didn't arise with dd1, so it's very new to me. And yes, I am finding her behaviour upsetting. She is delightful in every other possible way; loving, affectionate, inquisitive and so funny! But she is hot-tempered and will often throw herself onto the floor and make it very difficult for me to dress her, change her nappy and things like that.

She was an extremely placid young baby, too, so this transition has come as a shock. Just got to be consistent and ride it through, I suppose.

Exactly the same here... I DREAD nappy changes. DD was angel baby. I knew it was too good to be true! It's a good thing that we have spirited children... I'm sure it is!

I had two very good babies followed by DS2 - he was quite a shock!!

I am actually amazed by this thread that some little ones don't go through this stage! Gives me hope for DC2 due in May!

Oh yes - I can honestly say DS1 and DD never laid a finger on another child.

Wow... There is hope yet!

Well, dd1 only whacks dd2 ... don't knoq whether o
to or ...