Is your LO hitting you?

Question

This child of mine has been hitting me on my face. He's only 13 months. I will tell him calmly no and he keeps doing it so I hit his hand and tell him no again. It just keeps going on. He thinks I am playing with him...... I don't wanna hit him hard. I feel like his too little and defenseless. But I don't want him to grow thinking it's okay either. 
He pulls on my hair also. Will poke my eyes. Tries to cut my legs when I'm standing, with anything he finds. 
I believe it's because he's growing and its he's way of touching/grabbing onto. If that makes sense. 
Anyone experience the same? Any tips on how to deal? Or teach them it's wrong?

Answer

Don't hit him if you don't want him to hit- you are just modeling hitting for him. Say no no, gentle hands, redirect his hands, be firm w your words. But don't hit him back!

Answer

They don't understand boundaries and empathy at this age, it's 100% normal and it does not reflect a behavior problem at this age. All 3 of my kids went through this and they outgrew it, they're not physical at all. Get sad and pretend to cry and say "that hurts momma!" And put him down. When you pick him up say "touch nicely!" And reinforce nice playing. As they got older I was more firm, I'd never hit but I'd say clearly "no hits!" By that time they do it in response to being mad but not being able to express it with words, so I'd give them another angry expression instead like stomping. But at 13m he's just experimenting with interpersonal boundaries and rough playing.

Answer

My 13mo does the same thing. I make sure to get down on his level, talk in a calm voice, and check his normal needs (hunger, thirst, diaper, near nap/bed-time). 
If those needs are met I can usually redirect him to play with me. He's usually frustrated about something like me telling him not to play with plugs in electric outlets or me cooking in the kitchen when he wants to play. 
It's definitely frustrating not knowing what he wants and why he throws tantrums. I just try different things until something clicks.

Answer

my son will hit me sometimes or pulls my hair when I'm holding him and I tell him no and I either put him down after he hits or I take his hand and show him how to be nice. He also is biting I believe it's because of teething when he bites I tell him no then I put my finger gently on his mouth and tell him no so he gets that it's wrong and I then give him his teething toy to show that's the right thing to chew on. Don't hit his hand when he hits you or if he starts biting don't bite him back that's not showing him what's right.

Answer

My daughter is starting to go through a hitting stage now. I just grab her wrist as she's smacking and give a very serious, firm, "NO. We don't hit. No hitting." If she continues I get up and walk away or move to the couch out of her reach, which really bothers her because she likes me sitting down on the floor with her. She doesn't do it too often so I think she's learning that hitting drives people away.

Answer

My son does this, we are starting to get on the other side of it though. I dont suggest hitting him, it's confusing to them. You are telling them not to hit you, then hitting them. They're sponges and unless you want to breed violence, don't be physical. I grew up in a home where my parents were physical and swore I'd never harm my child. What we do that has worked is tell him to do nice and take his hand and gently rub my face and I'll be gentle and rub his face back. If my partner is home and he hits one of us we will show him gentle on the other's face. I know it sounds weird but they mimic what they see, if you show them how to be kind they will be. If he continues i just simple put him down and walk away and show him I wont associate with him if he is being  rough. He almost always will cry then hase after me and I say, you need to be nice if you want mama to hold you, show me nice. He will usually then show kindness. Always say no hit, do nice. It tells them what isnt acceptable  behavior and the behavior you desire in simple terms.

Answer

currently my lo is biting :( think it's because of teething. anyways when he hits you tell him no and explain why then take his hand and gently stroke your face and say nicely and say hitting hurts mummy. Unfortunately there's not much else you can do at this age as they don't really understand

Answer

Yes! My 13m old started this as well!!

Answer

I don't discipline hitting with a hand pop. My son is 14 months and if I pop his hand then if he sees I start doing something he doesn't like he will pop my hand. I grab his hand firmly when he hits and say no hitting be gentle with mommy(or whoever he's being rough with).

Is your LO hitting you?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey