Tips on Toddler Aggression: When to Worry?
“Tips on toddler aggression, when to worry? He’s hitting, biting, screaming, etc., but I did read online that some toddlers go through this and just grow out of it. But when should I be scared it’s more than that?”
Many toddlers bite, scream, and hit. They do it mostly because of two reasons. One, toddlers are gaining independence, but they still need a lot of help. At the same time, we tell them ‘no’ many times a day (e.g., “you can’t go here”, “don’t touch this…). Two, they still don’t have the verbal ability to say what they are feeling. And so, hitting and screaming is their way to communicate what is going on with them. As their communication skills get better, these behaviours usually decrease.
How to handle them? Every time he hits or bites, calmy but firmly tell him: “No, you cannot bite”; ‘You don’t hit”. If you tell him every time he behaves this way, he will stop doing those things. It is very important to be consistent and tell him this every time he does it. Do not give him a big reaction when he does those things, because a big reaction (even if it is negative) will reinforce the behaviours. And behaviours that are reinforced, will be repeated.
I wouldn’t be too concerned by it. If as his communication skills get better, he continues to do it, then it is a good idea to discuss it with his doctor.
You may also find these articles useful:
Can You Discipline a 1-Year-Old?
How to Discipline a 3-Year-Old
How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children: A Guide for Parents
I hope this information helps. I wish you both all the very best.
Love,
Ana
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.
Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.
Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.
Again, great writeup!
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ana
Ana
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Ana
