Most parents get mortified to see their child hit another person. This is a normal reaction for parents, but of course, we do not want our children to grow up thinking that it's an acceptable behavior. So how do you stop your child from hitting others?
When a child starts hitting another child or their parents, it is naturally perceived that they are overwhelmed by or afraid of a particular person or situation. But for most parents, these situations become so frequent that it starts to feel like a crisis.
The aggression coming from your child may sometimes trigger the different ways you respond to them. Parents sometimes end up seeing their our own children as their enemies. And this results in the urge to punish our children as we see necessary.
However, parents must also be aware that this form of behavior is typically normal in young children, especially at their different stages of development and when exposed to various environments. But, when their hitting behavior becomes their immediate response to a problem, then it is time to find ways to make them hitting another child or any person around them.
How to stop your child from hitting others, based on age group
Ways to stop your toddlers
1. Gentle touch
Demonstrate to your toddler what a gentle touch is. When you find them hitting you, be careful not to immediately yell and instead gently talk to them.
If your toddler happens to hit another child, make sure that you attend to the ones that are hurt and make sure they're fine. Then turn back to your toddler, gently ask your toddler what happened and why he did that. Make sure that you are using appropriate language. And remember, do not yell.
2. Walk away
It is also fine to teach your toddlers to walk away from the child who is hitting them. By doing this, you are also teaching your child to be independent without being aggressive to others.
3. Labeling emotions
For older toddlers, you may try teaching them how to recognize their emotions. You can help them by asking if they are angry or mad. Once your toddler answers you back, then you can easily assess his emotions and help your toddler understand them and be in control.
Ways to stop your 3- to 6-year-old child from hitting others
When your child is hitting another child, immediately step in and stop your child. Keep in mind how much attention you give them and take note of the things you do that might leave a negative impression on your child. Be sure not to tolerate their negative behaviors and let them know that you are not always on their side, especially in instances like this.
Please wait for your child to calm down after taking him away from the situation. If you can see him getting calm, then you can start asking him questions and making him consoling him.
Ways to stop your child from hitting others when they are at least 7 years old
1. Be a good role model of care to your children
As a parent, you are your child's first teacher. So when you catch your child hitting another person, try to console him and offer him care. Do not demonstrate violence by yelling at him or getting angry. A child will mimic how parents respond to similar situations.
2. Do not immediately blame your child
Instead of blaming your child for what they do, help them develop empathy. Let them know that what a person feels when they get hurt and teach them how to feel for others, too.
READ MORE: How to discipline children with ADHD and autism effectively
