DD smacking her brothers- help!

[NickNacks]

She's only 12 months but in the last 2 weeks or so she has started smacking her brothers in the face if she wants them to go away. They are only trying to cuddle or play with her and they are very good with her.

She's developed quite a whack. I firmly tell her No and move her away and i'm teaching them to do the same (say no and then walk away) but i'm worried this is reinforcing it because she's getting what she wants- them to leave.

I have spoken to them about reading the signs when she doesn't want to be cuddled but its difficult to explain body language, its usually something we just learn, isn't it? And i don't want them to stop trying as they really are lovely with her. Any suggestions to stop the smacking or am i doing enough?

Thanks

Sounds like you are doing enough to me. I wouldn't worry about reinforcing the behaviour, she's so little and has no other way of saying 'leave me alone!'.

My 1 year old can be very rough with her older siblings, we're doing the firm 'no' and removing her thing too. It just takes a long time for them to get the hang of it at this age unfortunately!

Thank you- will persevere!

She is much rougher (and tougher) than the others, probably a result of not being a PFB we don't mollycoddle her, but it means i have to watch her like a hawk!

My DD3 aged 16 months is very similar with her two big brothers. Thankfully she has never behaved like this with anyone except her brothers. She will stop when told firmly 'no' but like you I'm having to watch like mad. I also put her in her highchair or buggy sometimes. Not as a punishment but to give the boys a break if she's being too fractious.

My DD2 15 months is also like this with her big sister and its even got to the stage where she is biting and now hitting other children. I am getting to the end of me teather. I also do the firm NO and move her away but it doesnt seem to be making a blind bit of difference. Sorry no advise but would be interested to see if anyone else has any.

My 2 year old twins used to slap each other. What I did was hold their hand over to siblings face and gently stroke face with their hand and say "no slapping, be gentle" Worked a treat, they still slap each other every now and then but as soon as I say be gentle they stop :)

That's good advice Turkelton and I actually used to do this when the boys were small and teaching them to be kind to each other - i've forgotten all these good tips!

Also glad to hear others with the same problem- seems to be lots of little girls with big brothers!