Terrible 2s...at 16mo?

[AFWife]

Good Lord my DS has been in rare form today.

Every.single.time he's been near me he's had to pinch me. AND HE'S GOOD AT IT. I have no idea where he learned this (no daycare or anything) it's like the biting he did for awhile. The hitting and not listening (normally I can say "stop" and he'll at least slow down for a bit) are also on my nerves.

It doesn't help that my pregnant self is exhausted today so I'm short tempered.

Is it a phase? He's not verbal yet so explaining to him that pinching hurts does NOTHING.

It's like he's 2 already. He's always been advanced but ARGH.

[katiedidbug]

My DS2 is also 16 mos. I have the same problem. He likes to throw and hit. And it can hurt! I started removing him from the situation for a minute. Not sure how GD is to call it a "time-out" (I wouldn't want any flames thrown at me) but that's what I do. When he hits or whatever, I simply say, "Gentle touches...No hit" again and again. I then pick him put him somewhere away from the person he's hitting for a minute. This spot can be anywhere; a high chair would work well. After a minute, I pick him up, and repeat the mantra. It's been working so far. Now, it's not like he remembers from day to day, but it works for the immediate behavior.

[T-man's Mama]

My 17 month DS reaches up and tries to twist or pinch me anywhere on my face or neck when he gets really upset. So, yeah, every day. Sometimes he bites my shoulder or tries to headbutt me. It is irritating, but I can usually pull away before any real pain occurs. Sorry, I have no idea where this type of behavior originates, nor how to deter it. Just know you are not alone!

[ErynneM]

My 16.5-month-old hits when he gets frustrated... but it's more a frustration thing than a 'random' thing. Maybe try really keeping yourself aware of what is happening in the moments just before the toddler tries using physically painful touches, and see if they're coming from a place of frustration... or boredom... or hunger... or tiredness...

There is always a reason, even if we can't immediately understand it.

- E