What do you do when/if you 4 year old hits...

[seamama11]

He is 4 years old and has starting hitting when he is mad.

I want to show him it is unacceptable. I have tried putting him in his room, moving away from him, telling him, showing him he can hit pillows. Nothing helps. He gets mad, he hits and he hits hard.

Any ideas?

[kdescalzi]

I have an almost 4 yr old ds who is hitting all the time now. He hits me or is dad whenever he gets mad at us or hits his sister if she bothers him. He knows it is unacceptable but nothing stops his behaviour....and I mean nothing. I have tried every suggestion that has come my way and I am still at a loss on how to stop this. I really hope we get some helpful advice. Good luck with your lo.

[carol7906]

I know it may not sound "strict" enough but I have found this to work. Each time he starts to hit, gently take his hand, tell him, "gentle touch" or "we don't hit", show him how to touch in a gentle way on your arm, and positively reinforce the behavior by saying, "good job" or "thank you." Do it each and every time and eventually you will see it works!