Shortly after my son started daycare he started increasingly hitting . He will say ‘smack’ , ‘punching’ , ‘kicking’ and proceed to go through with the physical action. I’ve tried all I can think of to get this to stop .

Recently the daycare informed me Johannes and another child in daycare go back and forth hitting each other throughout the day. They said they’re working on hugs and nice touches. I’ve witnessed this kid run to the door and push Johannes a few time or try to block him and Johannes will hit him back. The other kid is older and bigger than Johannes.

I’m wondering if this was sparked by exposure to these behaviors at Daycare or if this is just a phase associated with their age?