Disciplining children

What is his compression like and do you think he realises it hurts? Generally at this age, it is a way of communication but that doesn't make it ok. Could you use social stories if he is understanding enough? This is a route we are trying with my son as he will hit if he wants a toy and a child won't give it

@Emma it’s either when he’s having a tantrum or he’s being naughty. Like he finds it funny and won’t stop. He knows it hurts because he understands hurt/owie when he’s hurt himself and so I’ve tried saying mummy owie or you’ve hurt mummy but he doesn’t care. I’ve tried the gentle approach and explaining, I’ve tried time out, I’ve also lost my cool recently as I’m pregnant at the minute so my patience is very thing at the moment 😂 I just am at a lost for how to discipline him. Like us it just a phase that he will grow out of. Am I suppose to just let him hit me until he grows out of it?

Bless you. It's so hard. I def am not in the ignore it group, but I am in the "don't respond" group. When my son hits, I say ouch, don't look at him and move him away. I then tell him I will not let him hit me and encourage him to say sorry. I don't know if that is helpful at all, but that's what we do. It doesn't work so much when he hits other children for toys lol. It does seem to have worked with hitting us (not every time ofcourse!)

Yeah the don't respond approach worked for us after a few days. Just really limit the interaction with him when he does it. Then later on show him another way to get your attention. Also anticipating when he's getting hungry/tired can help too as they are just not able to control themselves at that point. It hopefully will pass. Health visitor might have tips too!

I find that wheb my daughter has this type of behaviour is normally because of something else. She may be tired, hungry, upset.... if it happens normally when they have a tantrum, talking to them will probably not work as they re nor able to regulate their feelings. Let them express their emotions in a safe environment. So if they are angry and hitting you, remove yourself but do not pay attention. Come and talk to him after. Try also to figure out what started that anger. This is the hardest as it normally os co pletely unrelated to whatever they tell you. 🤣

Have you tried a naughty step. My little one hit me purposefully once and I put him on the step (explained why and how long) Didn’t give in until he sat for 2 whole minutes (took around 10 mins) and then explained why again, told him we don’t do that, had a cuddle and he’s not done it again. X

I feel you it’s so so hard especially when pregnant 😢 I have no suggestions as my little girl seems to have turned into the devil this past week! Her attitude, manners and just general behaviour has been so bad! Even getting her dressed to go to nursery is a huge battle and I know everyone seems to be high on the gentle parenting path but wow it’s impossible some days especially when she’s hitting her 10 month old sister 🤦🏻‍♀️