How do I stop 2 year old hitting me?

[Chathappy]

Ok, so ds1 is nearly 5 and has always been pretty easy/laid back/calm/non violent but ds2 is 2 years 8 months and the past couple of months he keeps on whacking me (face/body/where ever!) whenever I tell him off. I've always used the naughty step technique with both boys and with ds1 it has always worked a treat, but ds2 just laughs at me then tries to hit me more. It's even more embarrassing when we are in public as I think people must think I am a rubbish parent with an out of control child! I always thought I was pretty good at discipline but now I think it was just because ds1 was easy to discipline. I really don't know how to get him to stop - he doesn't do it to any other adults (including dad/nursery staff etc) or kids, just me! Also doesn't help when I'm 7 months pregnant with lo3 too! Has anyone had this problem with their toddler and managed to nip it in the bud? Will he just grow out of it? Any advice much appreciated!

I am not an expert but I have four of my own and also childminding.

I take it ds2 knows you are expecting. Were you pretty active with the other two doing things? Things have probably changed with number three being on the way.

Still whatever the reason for this behaviour it is not acceptable. Please ensure that he does not hit you in the stomach or do any kicking etc.

Speak in a firm and low voice letting him know that its not nice. Then take him by the hand and maybe take him to his room, leave him alone for a short time for him to think about his behaviour. Let him know you will continue to do it until he stops.....

An idea would be for you and your husband to take him aside and talk to him about his unacceptable behaviour. Let him see daddy supporting mummy in being firm.

One of my mindees use to be aggressive towards me, others and herself. I was very firm in giving time out which she hated. I was consistant in this. She does not do it anymore

Its not what he does but how you handle it.

All the best...

I have had this, and done time out every time. It's been exhausting, and he still does it occasionally, but much less than two months ago. Just keep doing time out and it will slowly sink in.

Yes it is so exhausting Clare123 and thank you for your advice and mum2bless. I've always found that time out/naughty step worked so easily with ds1 and I swear I have done it a thousand times with ds2 but he just doesnt seem to care about it.

Whenever I put him on time out too I always sit and explain why it's unacceptable behaviour and that it hurts etc but he has also been slightly slower on the communication side than ds1 so sometimes I wonder if he is really understanding me/taking it in.

His speech is improving but it is still difficult figuring out what he wants etc (whereas ds1 was speaking really clearly and easily at this age).

And he has always seemed more highly strung even since birth (crying more/never settled easily) and his temper is awful now, although I know he is in the midst of the terrible twos so I'm hoping he will calm down more as he gets older and his speech develops more (think that frustrates him).

But obviously, hitting is still unacceptable so I find it hard to figure out a way of stopping him doing this that he will understand. I'm hoping maybe it will just sink in eventually like you say Clare123 - perhaps by the millionth time out !

Gosh I could have written your message! My first child was so much easier and it's been so difficult not to compare. Like you, time out or even if I changed the tone of my voice with my first child would have been enough. No such like with my 2nd child!

Keep at it and remember to keep your cool. I know when we were in the midst of it, I found it very difficult not to raise my voice (esp. when he hurt me), but now I know if I act bored and put him on time out, his temper diffuses too.