Every parent may be worried when they see their child who is still a toddler likes to hit, especially if he can hit his friend until he cries. However, Mothers, don't be frustrated with this kind of child's behavior, because all of that has a reason and there are various ways to deal with it.
First of all, what you need to understand is that toddlers like to hit, it doesn't mean that you are wrong in educating children or that your little one will grow up to be a child who likes to bully (bullying). In fact, this aggressive behavior is part of the early stages of development that are common in toddlers.
Various Possible Reasons Toddlers Like to Slap
Because toddlers are not yet fluent in speech, hands become their means of communication. Sometimes, one form of communication is hitting. You need to understand the meaning behind the behavior. Even so, this behavior must be directed so that the Little One is not used to doing it, let alone injuring other people.
Below are some reasons toddlers love to spank that you need to understand:
1. Trying to defend the area or his
Toddlers who are possessive of their toys can hit them if they are taken away. In addition, he may also hit if he runs out of patience because other children do not want to take turns using toys.
If your child's words are ignored by other children, he may seek attention by hitting.
2. Unable to express his feelings
Toddlers don't have a large vocabulary yet, so it's possible that they can't find the right words to express their needs or wants. When frustrated, toddlers sometimes choose spanking as a way to express themselves.
3. Feeling uncomfortable
Toddlers can also spank when they feel tired, hungry, thirsty, bored, or feel uncomfortable. Mothers can reduce this possibility by making sure your little one has eaten and slept enough before playing with his friends.
4. Changes in the family
Toddlers may suddenly become like hitting or biting when there is a big change in the family. Examples are moving house, the birth of a new sibling, or domestic violence.
5. Lack of activities to channel energy
Sometimes toddlers can hit because they don't have the space to channel their energy. Toddler is a time when children want to explore many things. If they don't get room for activity, toddlers can channel it in the form of a punch.
In addition to the reasons above, toddlers can also hit other children to defend themselves, for example when they are bitten or hit by another child.
Tips so that Toddlers Don't Like to Slap
Mother's reaction when she sees her little one hitting is the key to changing his habits. Therefore, consider some of the guidelines below so that your little one who is still old stops hitting:
1. Hrefrain from using violence
Hitting, pinching, or doing any physical act that includes child abuse will only make him more aggressive. To teach your little one a lesson, try to do it in a gentle way, such as holding him calmly while advising him, even if firmly.
2. Keep it away from other children
If possible, keep your little one away from other children when you see him hitting because his toy has been taken. To distract him, direct him to another toy.
However, if your little one takes another child's toy, it's best to keep him away from the toy so he knows that being rude won't get him anything.
3. Ask to apologize
Ask your child to apologize if he has hit his friend. Even if he refuses or is not sincere, at least you have tried to instill good habits.
Your little one may not be able to imagine himself in the position of the child he hit. However, this commendable attitude will slowly seep in him and make him realize the consequences of his actions.
4. Discuss the action
When your little one has calmed down, invite him to discuss the reason for the beating while advising him gently but firmly. For example, by saying, “It hurts to be hit. Hurting other people is not good.”
You can also explain to your little one that it's okay to have occasional emotions, but there are limits to not hitting, let alone hurting friends.
5. Teach to use hands well
Mothers need to give lots of time to hug, caress, or massage your little one so that he learns to use his hands in a gentle way. Maybe if he wants to start hitting you, you can distract him, for example with a "high-five!"
6. Give consequences when repeating his actions
Giving punishment does not have to be violent. There are many other ways you can do as a consequence of your little one's actions. For example, you can reduce the time you play with your favorite toy.
It's also important for you to understand that sometimes toddlers can get aggressive by imitating violent scenes in movies or TV shows. To overcome this, the mother must limit and always supervise the viewing of the little one. If necessary, make sure to set the TV program your little one watches to be limited to children's programs only.
Having a toddler who likes to hit is indeed a challenge for parents. However, by understanding the reasons and knowing various ways to handle them, it is hoped that the child will be able to slowly change this behavior so that it does not repeat it again in the future.
However, if this behavior persists, don't hesitate to ask a child psychologist for help. Psychologists will examine the main causes of toddler hitting and help you fix it.
