Toddler hits me (mom)

amother

↑ OP

Mon, Aug 19 2024, 3:34 pm

amother Amaryllis wrote:

Does it happen when he wants something that he can't get? When you are not paying attention to him and busy with something/someone else? Does he get any kind of reward, such as attention, for hitting? Asking such questions and trying to look for a pattern will help you clue in on how to deal. Also it could be effective if your husband helps in the discipline together, even if he's not the one being hit.

I'm not sure if there's any trigger per se. He was tired this weekend but sometimes he does it when he's not tired too. I honestly think he think's it's some kind of game even though I try as hard as I can not to give him any reaction. This weekend we were playing a lot together on the floor with some of his cars and toy animals, so he was already getting plenty of attention before he started hitting.

I had surgery recently so am still really sore and tender. I really wish he would play more aggressive with my husband, but for some reason it's only me that gets hit.

rgr

Mon, Aug 19 2024, 5:23 pm

amother OP wrote:

Sounds like there's a lot going on for him (sensing the new baby, your recent surgery)

It's hard.

amother

Steelblue

Tue, Aug 20 2024, 7:53 am

My 1.5 year old is doing this.

Don't make eye contact. Don't make any facial expressions.

Just put the kid down calmly if they are on your lap/in your arms or take a step back calmly if thy aren't, with no eye contact, and a poker face, very neutral voice, just say 'no hitting, make nice'. If they make nice then great, if not that's ok too you don't want to start a power struggle.

Once they stop getting a direct reaction, they will get bored. It isn't instant, but it will get better over time.