How to Handle a Child That Hits
A child that hits other people, whether family members or people at school, is often trying to exert power or act in self-defense. While some aggressive behavior can be normal for children that are toddler age, it doesn't make it any less upsetting. Handling a child that hits is stressful and isn't always a quick fix. However, with regular demonstration of proper behavior and appropriate punishments when a child hits, the child is likely to improve in his behavior.
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Instructions
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Punish the child when she hits others. This means something like sending her to bed early, making her sit out of playtime or taking away toys. Explain that her behavior is unacceptable.
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Keep your cool when punishing a child. Don't scream or hit the child. This can put him on the defensive and make him continue to act aggressively.
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Model appropriate behavior. If you're hitting other people or acting aggressively, a child thinks that's okay. Instead, demonstrate how to act, especially under stressful circumstances, such as during disagreements with other people. Teach the child how to act when she's upset.
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Respond immediately to hitting. Don't wait until he's hit someone multiple times.
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Discipline consistently. Each time your child hits someone, discipline her in a similar way. This reinforces that a punishment happens anytime she hits someone.
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Reward positive behavior. If he's responded to an upsetting situation without hitting or any other aggressive behavior, reward him. This encourages him to behave well.
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Seek help if necessary. If your efforts to curtail her hitting aren't working, seek help from an outside person, such as a child psychologist or counselor. They might be able to better understand what's causing your child's aggressive behavior and how it can be fixed.
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