DS hitting me!!

[GetInMyNelly]

Lord knows how many times he's done it. It's getting ridiculous now.

He's 14 months, it's been going on for around 2 months now.

He'll hit me with his hands or use things to hit me with.

How can I get him to stop?!

My DD is 19mo and does this more when she's tired. If she doesn't hit me or DH she will hit herself so seems to be frustration sometimes.

I just put myself out of reach and don't look at her after saying a sharp NO. She's still doing it and even pushes the boundaries by tapping my face instead of hitting!

Just hoping she will learn but managing anger or frustration is tough!

He does it when he's tired, angry, happy and whatever other emotion he's feeling.

He'll simply walk up to me and slap me.

He also hits himself but more out of interest than frustration.

At 19 months . Simply say no remove any attention from him. Do not discuss it with him he will already know by now it is wrong

A couple of tips:

1 - saying "no hitting" seems to work better than just "no". Dunno why but it does

2 - giving them something else they CAN do instead really helps. So "no hitting, gentle hands" and take his hand and stroke your arm instead. Or "no hitting, shake mummy's hand" and demonstrate a handshake. Ok stroking or handshakes might get tedious but better than hitting! And gives him an alternative way to interact/get your attention etc

We do try distraction, but don't want that to be the answer for every battle right now... Nappy, clothes, shoes etc!

Thanks for tips, will continue with no hitting and nice hands.

Imo they are old enough at 19 months to begin to understand why hitting is wrong. Try saying, 'Ow! Don't hit me. That hurt mummy!' and make a sad face. Or 'Ow! No hitting. Hitting hurts!'