2 year old and hitting

[AGF]

My two year old has gone on an angry hitting tear for the past couple weeks. This morning being the worst of it.
His twin and I are becoming pretty annoyed. Thankfully, he is hitting me much more than his brother. I've tried a bunch of approaches, none of which seem particularly helpful.

Been there? What worked for you?

Also, I would love to hear been there, nothing worked, grew out of it quickly.

Thanks!

[columbusmomma]

DS, now 7 went through the hitting state a little. And I can say, nothing worked, didn't last long, and nothing worked!!
DD, age 2 is going through this too now. So since I've BTDT I don't sweat it I reinforce that hands are not for hitting, hitting hurts, use gentle touch(when I say this she instantly starts petting me!!)etc. So it's annoying, and I know she's hitting due to feeling emotionally frustrated,upset, etc. but I know she won't do it forever!!

[AGF]

thank you!

[yodan]

AGF, i want to know about your reaction when your 2 year old baby hits you? What do you do, do you smile or do you show him that you are not happy? Tell me more plz.

[WhiteHorse]

I too am looking for answers to this annoying problem. It has gotten so bad that I cannot even sit in the room with him and play - he hits or kicks or throws things. He doesnt necessarily do this when he is ticked off, he just does it. I am thinking he saw this on tv (cops being DH favorite show). I give him one warning then a time out in the play pen if he continues which he always does. I am seeing more hesitation though before he does it, so maybe it's working?

[AGF]

well at first i responded by a timeout, and sternly telling him that you don't hit anybody, even when you are angry. and then that would always escalate to me being louder than i want to be and him continuing. So then I switched to the hurt face, and the walking away. Works with his brother, but he does not care. ha. Most of the time now, I just redirect to playing with his brother and tell him matter of factly that I will not play with someone who throws/hits and then when he is into playing kindly come on over. He will usually continue to throw and hit but really, it makes me feel better not to sweat it. and i don't want his brother to have to feel that tension all the time. The only thing is, I don't want to ignore it away because even though he is only two, I do not want him to think that it is acceptable to "hit it out". So....I guess I am banking on this just ending? Its particularly frustrating because all his dad has to do is say his name semi-loudly and he comes over and gives me a kiss and says "sorry mommy" and stops the behavior. Arrrgh, I guess that is the joy of being with someone 24/7. Sometimes your voice can get tuuuuned out.

Insights, please~!

[WhiteHorse]

I think the key to any tactic is to be consistent. If they know what is going to happen, it gets boring for them. I would not make a hurt face, this might be amusing instead of serious. Just a thought.