hitting and pulling hair ~ATTACK OF THE TODDLER

[CarrieJessica]

My 18 month old son is pulling both mine and my daughters hair and hitting and thinks its the funniest thing in the world if we have any reaction. I do my best to redirect and/or say we dont pull hair/hit people.
I relaize it is age related, I guess I just need a little confirmation that it will pass and I am doing the right thing by supressing the urge to yell "HEY KID WOULD YOU STOP PULLING MY HAIR/HITTING ME" : :
Carrie
Proud Army Wife
Mother of 2

[delighted.mama]

It is totally a developmental thing, but it can turn into an ugly habit real fast if it isn't stopped. DD went through a period like that. What we would do is tell her very seriously, without yelling or being too stern, "that hurts, you can't pull hair/hit, etc." Then, we would immediately put her down. We were very consistent in doing it. Every time she hit/pulled hair, we would tell her that hurts and put her down immediately. Sometimes I would tell her, "when you hit, I can't play with you." After about a week, she totally got the point. I also wouldn't let her do it with other relatives who thought it was funny. The minute she would start getting wired and doing that stuff, I would pull her aside and get on her level and tell her to stop. The key, I think, is to be very serious, without going overboard and scaring them. However, I can totally commiserate with the feeling of wanting to simply snatch the little hand away and yell "stop that." It DOES get better, with a little patience, consistency and time. Good luck!

Libby

[rebeckyr]

I admit, I have yelled on occassion - I strive not to, and that's part of why I am here in this forum - I don't think it helps but if you have done it, don't beat yourself up. I am forever trying to figure out patience but I tend to lose it when what my daughter does actually HURTS - she pulls hair like the best of them! I also tell her - that hurts mommy, and stop paying attention to her (i.e. reading the book, cuddling, playing with the puzzle) when she hits or pulls hair.

[CarrieJessica]

I have not yelled "at him" yet but I have yelled in pain.. you know that grip at the root of the hair.. OUCH
I do know it will get better, right now he is on the brink of communication. He understands much of what I say (Go get your drink, want a snack, nurse ect..) but has not really mastered many words or the art of putting them together. I have to admit it must be fusterating for him.
Thanks for the support
Carrie