How to Handle Toddlers Hitting Stage

Why It Happens and How To Make It Stop

Has your otherwise friendly toddler suddenly started hitting people? Many children this age start communicating their feelings physically, partly as a way to get your attention and partly because their language skills are still limited.

Why It Happens and How To Make It Stop

Here's how to help curb the behavior:

• Make a show of noticing when your child communicates without hitting. Positive rewards for acceptable behavior teach better than negative consequences for bad behavior.

• Don't put your child into social situations when you know she's ready for a nap or too hungry to be calm.

• Try to spend some time alone with your child each day so you can give him your full attention when you play together.

• Hang in there! Soon your child will develop language skills that will help her communicate much more effectively.