15 month old has started hitting people in the face!!! Help!!!

[Lucky123]

Hi All. Some advice, for the last monthy, my 15 month old has been just hitting me and my husband and whomever else (!) in the face. I pick him up, look him in the eye and firmly say NO. Then I walk away. He then comes up and cuddles me. But now he hits and cuddles with a nano-seocnd in between each. Can anyone help me and I am not being too great with this malarkey. Just want to do the right thing. Also, as soon as I say NO - he gives me a massive smile. Is this normal?

Even though saying no would usually be the right advice, it's obviously the reaction your little tinker is waiting for! The good news is that the hitting isn't malicious, it's a repetitive game. Child smacks, mum picks him up, says no, child gives a cuddle.

What you need to do is stop participating in the game (explain to your guests what is happening if you are embarassed at not saying no) so when he smacks just put him down and walk away or turn round, and comp0letely ignore him for a minute. That's no fun for him!

When he's a little older and has forgotten this particular game, then you can resume saying no for when he is naughty and it probably won't have the same effect. And he'll probably grow out of the hitting anyway.

Meant to say, he'll grow out of the hitting soon anyway. Not that he might potentially hit your face forever!

My Ds went through this phase, and it did pass, although it has made a recent reappearance at 2 and a half. Should pass again soon though...

Thanks everyone! I think you are spot on with the game playing. I'll give it a go and see what happens!