Help aggressive 19mo

[LawziGriff]

My little boy is only 19mo and is so aggressive. He headbutts, kicks, hits, throws, uses weapons. All of these things are towards anybody in our company, especially his poor 3yo sister. He has only 2 words in his vocab but understands directions.
I feel I have tried every technique with little success; distraction, praise, taking toys away, naughty step, moving away from people. Nothing works, he either laughs, cries or sits bashing his head off stuff then continues afterwards. This behaviour can occur during any activity.
Please help I'm losing the plot! TYIA

Hey LawziGriff,

My little girl is 18 months and has recently started with tantrums - albeit not to the extent you are describing, but my Mam is very much of the mindset to ignore. I know it can be hard when they’re being aggressive but perhaps that’s worth a shot? If the anger is directed toward his sister, move her out of the equation, do an activity with her and continue to ignore these behaviours. Often kids are looking for attention whether it be positive or negative. I’ve been ignoring her behaviours for a week or so now and they’re slowly coming down in intensity and how long she does it for, sometimes not and she will cry and cry whilst thrashing about on the floor but I almost never intervene now and she comes out of it on her own..

Xx

Hi, I’d really recommend the book ‘Calm parents, happy siblings’. It sounds like your son is feeling frustrated and needs your help to express himself. Unfortunately ignoring him is not only cruel but won’t help.