Why Does My 2-year-old Hit?
A parent may be surprised and alarmed if her 2-year-old suddenly starts hitting the people around him, but the reality is that this is fairly common behavior. There are several reasons why a 2-year-old might hit, and it is important to consider various factors before you take action. Understanding the reasons contributing to a 2-year-old's aggressive behavior can give you insight when addressing the situation.
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Considerations
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According to Robert Needlman, MD, 2-year-olds often hit because they do not know any better. They are not necessarily doing it out of aggression. Hitting before the age of 3 is normal, but by the age of 4, the hitting should be tapering off. At 4 years of age, children are more empathetic and should realize that hitting causes pain.
Causes
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According to Baby Center, 2-year-olds are at a stage in their development where they are learning to be possessive, and this can make them impulsive. This, combined with primitive language skills, can make hitting their way of trying to get what they want from other children or from their parent. At this point in their development, they are simply unaware of how much hitting hurts or what it does to the other person.
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Benefits
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A 2-year-old who hits, whether he hits a parent or another child, only sees the short-term benefits. If he hits a parent, he will get attention and if he hits another child, he may drive them away from a toy that he wanted. A 2-year-old is not aware that hitting is a poor way to get these benefits and that hitting has consequences.
Warning
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Do not hit your child when they hit you. If you hit a 2-year-old when he hits you, you are setting a precedent that hitting is an appropriate response. Children learn through imitating their parents, and hitting your child reinforces their tendency to lash out instead of curbing it.
Misconceptions
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Some parents believe that having a 2-year-old who hits means that their child is naturally aggressive or a bully. While hitting is a behavior that needs to be curbed, it is a normal behavior that is fairly common among 2-year-olds.
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References
- Photo Credit Crying Toddler image by Mary Beth Granger from Fotolia.com
