3 year old still hitting and knows it

[Zarah786]

My DS turned 3 last week. His behaviour is generally fine, he loves sharing, loves family activities and meeting others. If he goes for a snack he makes sure to get the same for his sister who is 6 years older than him.

He however since he was smaller hits his sister and in recent months hits me too, sometimes even kicks. He however has not done this to his dad or anyone else.

I have tried everything from stern nos, to time outs, to ignoring, to distract him, naughty step, to calmly ask what is wrong. Although the situation diffuses fast his hitting behaviour is still present.

I thought he would grow out of it, thought as communication gets better, which it is then the hitting would stop and also put it down to crankiness.

But on some days after a good sleep, his playing with his sister and will get upset over whatever is upsetting him then will hit her.

I'm not sure what else I can do? Worried I may be making it worse.....

Hi,

How old if your little one?

I would say for my son the hitting is a lot less frequent and does not really hit me anymore.

His communication has improved since he turned 3 and continues to improve day by day.

My daughter also now involved herself less in any moments that my son may find frustrating I.e if he is upset over a spilled drink for example I will let him process that emotion himself, before perhaps my daughter would intervene (kindly) trying to help but that would just frustrate my DS further.

I will then give him a moment, if the tantrum takes longer to ease off then I ask him to take a few deep breathes, we talk about what happened/went wrong and what could work better next time and he tells me when he feels better.

Seems to be working and he now tells his sister to take a few deep breathes if anything is upsetting her!

Hope this helps :)

That is really great advice. No nagging or discussion. I really like it.