18 month old hitting?

[eastcoastmum2014]

Hi!
The other day my 18 month old DD saw my mother in law hit her dog (I was mortified!) now, if dd is in a bad mood she has started hitting people including our dog and other children. My friend looked after her today and she put her little boy in tears and I'm so embarrassed... What can I do about this? I'm beyond angry at my mil, I don't know how to show my DD that you shouldn't hit when your angry? Any help much appreciated!!

Just say "no, we don't hit". Maybe stroke her arm and say "gentle hands, see?". Anything more is absolutely pointless at 18m. You might have to helicopter her for a bit and try to see what the triggers are so you can step in before she hits but I wouldn't worry too much at 18m, she'll grow out of it soon enough.