our 2 yo punching and hitting my face

[SoBlessed]

Lately our 2 yo DS has been pulling my glasses off and punching and hitting my face. He has also been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum so sometimes it's been a challenge to decipher what is spectrum and what is not...We have been telling him "gentle," but lately he has continued to punch and hit. He has done this more when he has been angry, but occassionally does it when he thinks it's funny. Any advice?

[Ruthla]

I would gently but firmly say "no hitting" or "gentle touch only" and remove the hands from my face and move myself out of range.

I don't tolerate violence from my kids. I figure if I "sit there and take it" then I'm teaching them that violence is acceptable. I move myself out of the way when I'm hit/kicked/bitten/whatever.

I don't think it matters much whether it's "normal 2yo behavior" or "spectrum behavior." It's not acceptable. Knowing her diagnosis means that you'll be more patient with her in general, and set up developmentally appropriate expectations (and these expectations will be different for her than for an NT child of the same age.) However, it doesn't mean that you have NO expectations of appropriate behavior. I'd discipline any child who was physically hurting me, whether it's an 8mo or a teenager.

[_betsy_]

I think it's an age thing. My 23 month old has taken to smacking my head when she's angry with me. They are exploring their power, their ability to control us and the world around them, boundaries, all that stuff.

I always put DD down on the floor and say "No one hits me." When we've both had a moment to cool down, I say something like "Hitting hurts. I know you are upset, but you aren't allowed to hit Mama. Gentle hands."