Concerned about toddler behaviour

[keylovesAva]

Hello all,

Just wanted to get some insights and some advice on my 22 month old DD. She has always been a very chilled and mild baby/toddler however recently she has been displaying some aggressive behaviour ( is aggressive too much?!) When she gets frustrated or doesn't get her own way she is beginning to hit me. My DH and I are firm and tell her hitting is not nice and she stops and hugs us. Usually when i sense her frustration coming i can distract her with a task or a toy/book. Thing is she only hits me.. She doesn't hit my DH or her grandmother who watches her a couple days a week.
Is this a phase? I even tried the naughty step but read she's potentially not ready for that yet- she got up and followed me or went upstairs herself.
I have no idea where she picked this up from but read that it can happen. She starts nursery part time soon.

Do i need to be concerned?

Thanks x

It's a phase, and she does it to you because she knows how you will react and feels safe with your reactions. They like to try out things (ours included biting for a short time) they soon learn what's not acceptable. You just have to make it clear it's not a game and explain it hurts which usually works (I will admit after one particularly sharp bite I shouted "get off" but she hasn't done it since).

@Havetothink thanks for your response.. I am hoping this passes sooner than later

This sounds completely normal and you are dealing with it well.

Try not to worry, toddlers go through difficult phases. They do pass.

It's normal / a phase and probably means she will be going through some development milestones / how's her talking ?

Absolutely normal. Even if you are doing all the right things they go through this phase. It’s doesnt mean there is anything wrong with her (or you!)

The terrible twos start early and finish at four

Mothers always seem to get the brunt of the worst behaviour too

Totally normal, I don’t think you need to be concerned. My toddler is naughtiest with me, it’s a sign of comfort. They try to push boundaries, stay firm but don’t worry. 😊

Normal.

I found more success with telling toddlers what I want them to do - not what I want them NOT to do...

So when they hit, I say "we use gentle hands" (when I mean "FFS STOP HITTING ME!"...).

Yep, my (now 2.5 year old) did this around Christmas time. Thought it was hilarious to whack me in the face, but never did it to anyone else. She pinched me a few times too! It only lasted a few weeks. I just used to tell her 'no, that hurts mummy' quite firmly and move her out of reach of me.

It'll pass. Like a PP said, she's secure with you, she's testing a boundary knowing that you'll still be there afterwards no matter what.

Good job they're cute isn't it!

My 22 month old has just come out of a hitting phase with him and his older brother I always played up to show it hurts I don't think a toddler really gets it unless you show your (mild) distress. I don't mean crying or anythinf crazy just a big ouch and looking sad turning away slightly like shielding from them worked the concern and connection kicked in that they had hurt me. Didn't last long with either.

I am going through this with my you gest atm. Never hits anyone but me. I just say a turn no and remove him from the room each time. He's slowly growing out of it.