Smacking

[phlossie]

I've got a really sweet natured 19 month old who's never hit, pushed, snatched from another child. But just recently he's started to smack and kick me. He hates being told 'no' and that usually does the trick, but now when I tell him off, he starts smacking himself or inanimate objects. My dilemma is do I tell him off just when he smacks me hard, when he swipes at me at all, or when he smacks anything? I know he's just testing me, but I want to be consistent. And I really don't want him to start hitting other children...

I would ignore it if he is hitting things that aren't going to get hurt iyswim? but continue to discipline if he hits you (or anyone else)

My ds does this. I tell him 'no' and have taught him to 'stroke' instead. Sometimes when he smacks (usually just getting away) and I say 'no', then he will stroke. Also other kids when he is getting near (esp. babies) I tell him to stroke the baby and he does. Mu ds is now 21 mths, but started around 19mths.

I am mother of 3 (oldest is 5, youngest is 1). I think at this age, he doesn't really understand it, so it's hard to get into a whole telling him off situation. But he must understand that you don't hit. I would ignore the hitting inanimate objects, and if he tries to hit you repeat 'no' but do some major distration. I think often children do it at this age because their communication is limited and they find it frustrating not b eing able to express themselves properly. It's a phase. If my children hit/bit/spat at others, I always said 'no' very firmly and then ignored it. It is a major attention-seeking dvice, like nose-picking etc. And it works every time.