DS is hitting

[jessiehannan]

And I can't get him to stop. Well, rather it is punching. Just me and DD1. Sometimes it is because he is mad, sometimes just because. He is three. Should I just continue to tell him that hitting isn't nice, that we don't hit, and have him apologize?
He also bit me and scratched/pinched me, but I was holding on to him in an area that wasn't safe for him to be let loose in, and he wanted free. He was also way overstimulated at that point.

[still_me]

:hug: Sorry. We've been there too.


I think what you are doing is fine. I used "breaks" and once DS1 was calm, we had a talk.

[KaraJ]

Have you tried spanking him? That's something you'd have to be okay with, otherwise, he'll catch on to it if your not.

[jessiehannan]

You don't hit to teach a child not to hit.

[KaraJ]

Also, positive reinforcement when the child is being good has worked well for us.

[still_me]

Oh yes! That is right! I forgot how spanking (which is hitting) teaches a child not to hit!

'Stevie, come here so I can spank you! You know you aren't supposed to hit!'

[KaraJ]

You don't hit to teach a child not to hit. Hm. Doesn't seem to be the case with any spanking family I know, but whatever floats your boat.

[Babyblue]

karaj, you gave your opinion, which the op does not agree with. please stop posting so the op can get answers that she needs, not another train wreck about spanking.


jessie, a very firm no and sometimes even non harming physical restraint are necessary. he cant be allowed to pinch, and when he trys I would stop him, explain that he is not ever allowed to do that and redirect him to some other activity. like looking at cars that go by if you are outside, or something to play with right in his face, like banging a pot and pan together.

I have heard that for kids that are just exploring the feeling of pinching that playing with clay helps give them the same sensation.